Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for haptic mixing

ABSTRACT

An electronic device receives a plurality of requests to generate a plurality of tactile outputs, including two or more overlapping tactile outputs, using the one or more tactile output generators. In response, the device generates and outputs combined tactile outputs. If the plurality of tactile outputs exceeds a threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output, the device mixes a subset of the plurality of tactile outputs together into a combined tactile output that excludes at least one of the plurality of tactile outputs to produce a combined tactile output that is output via the device&#39;s one or more tactile output generators.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/270,885, filed Sep. 20, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/384,113, filed Sep. 6, 2016, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates generally to electronic devices with touch-sensitivesurfaces and tactile output generators, including but not limited toelectronic devices that display a user interface and combine multipletactile outputs corresponding to different events or trigger conditionsto produce a combined tactile output.

BACKGROUND

The use of touch-sensitive surfaces as input devices for computers andother electronic computing devices has increased significantly in recentyears. Exemplary touch-sensitive surfaces include touchpads andtouch-screen displays. Such surfaces are widely used to manipulate userinterface objects on a display.

The provision of tactile outputs in conjunction with detecting touchinputs and other functions of an electronic device can be used tofacilitate the user's interactions with the device. However, physicallimitations of tactile output generators, and limits on the ability ofusers to feel and understand overlapping tactile outputs, make the useof multiple sources of tactile outputs challenging with respect toproviding useful information to the user.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for electronic devices with faster, moreefficient methods and interfaces for mixing and prioritizing tactileoutputs corresponding to multiple requests to generate tactile outputs,or multiple user inputs corresponding to tactile outputs (e.g.,corresponding to user interface elements displayed on a display, andcorresponding to hardware elements), or multiple triggering conditionsfor tactile outputs. Such methods and interfaces reduce the number,extent, and/or nature of the inputs from a user and produce a moreefficient human-machine interface. For battery-operated devices, suchmethods and interfaces conserve power and increase the time betweenbattery charges.

The above deficiencies and other problems associated with userinterfaces for electronic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces arereduced or eliminated by the disclosed devices. In some embodiments, thedevice is a desktop computer. In some embodiments, the device isportable (e.g., a notebook computer, tablet computer, or handhelddevice). In some embodiments, the device is a personal electronic device(e.g., a wearable electronic device, such as a watch). In someembodiments, the device has a touchpad. In some embodiments, the devicehas a touch-sensitive display (also known as a “touch screen” or“touch-screen display”). In some embodiments, the device has a graphicaluser interface (GUI), one or more processors, memory and one or moremodules, programs or sets of instructions stored in the memory forperforming multiple functions. In some embodiments, the user interactswith the GUI primarily through stylus and/or finger contacts andgestures on the touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, thefunctions optionally include image editing, drawing, presenting, wordprocessing, spreadsheet making, game playing, telephoning, videoconferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, workout support, digitalphotographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing,note taking, and/or digital video playing. Executable instructions forperforming these functions are, optionally, included in a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium or other computer program productconfigured for execution by one or more processors.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at anelectronic device with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and a setof one or more tactile output generators. The method includes: receivinga plurality of requests to generate a plurality of tactile outputs usingthe one or more tactile output generators, wherein the plurality oftactile outputs include two or more overlapping tactile outputs. Themethod further includes, in response to receiving the plurality ofrequests, generating and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, combined tactile outputs. The generating and outputtingincludes: in accordance with a determination that the plurality oftactile outputs does not exceed a threshold number of tactile outputsthat is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the oneor more tactile output generators, mixing the plurality of tactileoutputs together into a first combined tactile output, and including thefirst combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs; andoutputting, via the one or more tactile output generators, the combinedtactile outputs, including the first combined tactile output. Thegenerating and outputting further includes: in accordance with adetermination that the plurality of tactile outputs exceeds thethreshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, mixing a subset of the plurality of tactile outputs togetherinto a second combined tactile output that excludes at least one of theplurality of tactile outputs, and including the second combined tactileoutput in the combined tactile outputs; and outputting, via the one ormore tactile output generators, the combined tactile outputs, includingthe second combined tactile output.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at anelectronic device with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and a setof one or more tactile output generators. The method includes: receivinga first set of one or more inputs corresponding to user interfaceelements displayed on the display, wherein the first set of one or moreinputs corresponds to a first set of one or more tactile outputs, andreceiving a second set of one or more inputs corresponding to the one ormore hardware elements, wherein the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to a second set of one or more tactile outputs. The methodfurther includes, in response to the second set of one or more inputs,in accordance with a determination that the first set of tactile outputsand the second set of one or more tactile outputs do not overlap,outputting, with the set of one or more tactile output generators, atactile output sequence that includes the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs. Themethod further includes, in accordance with a determination that thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one ormore tactile outputs overlap, outputting, with the set of one or moretactile output generators, a modified tactile output sequence that ismodified so as to emphasize the second set of one or more tactileoutputs relative to the first set of one or more tactile outputs.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at anelectronic device with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and a setof one or more tactile output generators. The method includes: detectinga triggering condition for a first set of one or more tactile outputswith a first priority and detecting a triggering condition for a secondset of one or more tactile outputs with a second priority. The methodfurther includes, in response to detecting the triggering condition forthe first set of one or more tactile outputs and the triggeringcondition for the second set of one or more tactile outputs and inaccordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs: (a) in accordance with adetermination that the first priority is higher than the secondpriority, reducing a scale of at least a portion of the second set ofone or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one ormore tactile outputs; and (b) in accordance with a determination thatthe second priority is higher than the first priority, reducing a scaleof at least a portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputsthat overlaps with the second set of one or more tactile outputs.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes adisplay unit configured to display one or more user interfaces, atouch-sensitive surface unit to receive touch inputs, one or moretactile output generator units to generate tactile outputs; and aprocessing unit coupled with the display unit, the touch-sensitivesurface unit, and the one or more tactile output generator units. Theprocessing unit is configured to: receive a plurality of requests togenerate a plurality of tactile outputs using the one or more tactileoutput generator units, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includetwo or more overlapping tactile outputs; and in response to receivingthe plurality of requests, generate and output, via the one or moretactile output generator units, combined tactile outputs. The generatingand outputting includes, in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs does not exceed a threshold number oftactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via one or more tactile output generator units, mixing theplurality of tactile outputs together into a first combined tactileoutput, including the first combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs, and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerator units, the combined tactile outputs, including the firstcombined tactile output. The generating and outputting also includes, inaccordance with a determination that the plurality of tactile outputsexceeds the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to bemixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerator units, mixing a subset of the plurality of tactile outputstogether into a second combined tactile output that excludes at leastone of the plurality of tactile outputs, including the second combinedtactile output in the combined tactile outputs, and outputting, via theone or more tactile output generator units, the combined tactileoutputs, including the second combined tactile output.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes adisplay unit configured to display one or more user interfaces, atouch-sensitive surface unit to receive touch inputs, one or moretactile output generator units to generate tactile outputs; and aprocessing unit coupled with the display unit, the touch-sensitivesurface unit, and the one or more tactile output generator units. Theprocessing unit is configured to: receive a first set of one or moreinputs corresponding to user interface elements displayed on thedisplay, wherein the first set of one or more inputs corresponds to afirst set of one or more tactile outputs, and receive a second set ofone or more inputs corresponding to the one or more hardware elements,wherein the second set of one or more inputs corresponds to a second setof one or more tactile outputs. The processing unit is furtherconfigured to respond to the second set of one or more inputs, inaccordance with a determination that the first set of tactile outputsand the second set of one or more tactile outputs do not overlap, byoutputting, with the set of one or more tactile output generators, atactile output sequence that includes the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs. Theprocessing unit is also configured to respond to the second set of oneor more inputs, in accordance with a determination that the first set ofone or more tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs overlap, by outputting, with the set of one or more tactileoutput generators, a modified tactile output sequence that is modifiedso as to emphasize the second set of one or more tactile outputsrelative to the first set of one or more tactile outputs.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes adisplay unit configured to display one or more user interfaces, atouch-sensitive surface unit to receive touch inputs, one or moretactile output generator units to generate tactile outputs; and aprocessing unit coupled with the display unit, the touch-sensitivesurface unit, and the one or more tactile output generator units. Theprocessing unit is configured to: detect a triggering condition for afirst set of one or more tactile outputs with a first priority, anddetect a triggering condition for a second set of one or more tactileoutputs with a second priority. The processing unit is furtherconfigured to respond to detecting the triggering condition for thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the triggering conditionfor the second set of one or more tactile outputs, in accordance with adetermination that the first set of one or more tactile outputs arescheduled to at least partially overlap with the second set of one ormore tactile outputs, by: in accordance with a determination that thefirst priority is higher than the second priority, reduce a scale of atleast a portion of the second set of one or more tactile outputs thatoverlaps with the first set of one or more tactile outputs; and inaccordance with a determination that the second priority is higher thanthe first priority, reduce a scale of at least a portion of the firstset of one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the second set ofone or more tactile outputs.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes adisplay, a touch-sensitive surface, a set of one or more tactile outputgenerators, one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs;the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to beexecuted by the one or more processors and the one or more programsinclude instructions for performing or causing performance of theoperations of any of the methods described herein. In accordance withsome embodiments, a computer readable storage medium has stored thereininstructions which when executed by an electronic device with a display,a touch-sensitive surface, and a set of one or more tactile outputgenerators, cause the device to perform or cause performance of theoperations of any of the methods described herein. In accordance withsome embodiments, a graphical user interface on an electronic devicewith a display, a touch-sensitive surface, a set of one or more tactileoutput generators, a memory, and one or more processors to execute oneor more programs stored in the memory includes one or more of theelements displayed in any of the methods described herein, which areupdated in response to inputs, in accordance with any of the methodsdescribed herein.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes: adisplay, a touch-sensitive surface, and a set of one or more tactileoutput generators; and means for performing or causing performance ofthe operations of any of the methods described herein. In accordancewith some embodiments, an information processing apparatus, for use inan electronic device with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and aset of one or more tactile output generators, includes means forperforming or causing performance of the operations of any of themethods described herein.

Thus, electronic devices with displays, touch-sensitive surfaces and aset of one or more tactile output generators are provided with faster,more efficient methods and interfaces for providing, combining andoutputting tactile outputs, thereby increasing the effectiveness,efficiency, and user satisfaction with such devices. Such methods andinterfaces may complement or replace conventional methods for providingnotifications, and providing feedback in response to user inputs othertrigger conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments,reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, inconjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a portable multifunction devicewith a touch-sensitive display in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating example components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a haptic engine in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device having a touch screenin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface for a menu of applicationson a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example user interface for a multifunction devicewith a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4C illustrates an electronic device displaying a graphical userinterface and providing a corresponding tactile output, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 4D-4E illustrate a set of sample tactile output patterns inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5L illustrates tactile outputs, combinations of tactileoutputs, and optionally, corresponding audio outputs, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6F are flow diagrams illustrating a method of applying limitsto mixing tactile outputs into combined tactile outputs in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7D are flow diagrams illustrating a method of prioritizing sometactile outputs over other tactile outputs while mixing tactile outputsinto combined tactile outputs in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8D are flow diagrams illustrating a method of prioritizing andscaling tactile outputs while mixing tactile outputs into combinedtactile outputs in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 9-11 are functional block diagrams of an electronic device inaccordance with some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In electronic devices that display graphical user interfaces, enablingapplications to provide tactile outputs can be challenging due tolimitations on the number of tactile outputs that can be generatedconcurrently, physical limitations on the tactile outputs that can begenerated by the electronic device's one or more tactile outputgenerators, and limitations on the ability of users to feel andunderstand multiple tactile outputs that either overlap or follow eachother in quick succession. To enable robust tactile output generation,while addressing the aforementioned physical and user limitations, anumber of methodologies are employed. Examples of such techniquesinclude limiting the number of tactile outputs that are combined at anyone time, and/or reducing scale and then ending one or more “oldest”tactile outputs when the number of tactile outputs scheduled to begenerated that would overlap surpasses a threshold. In another example,the combined tactile outputs are analyzed, and reduced in scale, if anamplitude limit would be exceeded. In another example, tactile outputsare assigned priorities, for example based on their sources, andoverlapping tactile outputs are mixed in accordance with thosepriorities, including reducing the scale of one or more lower prioritytactile outputs. In another example, when tactile outputs are mixed andcombined, a second set of tactile outputs are emphasized relative to afirst set of tactile outputs (e.g., based on the sources or triggeringconditions of those tactile outputs).

Below descriptions of example devices are provided with reference toFIGS. 1A-1B, 2, and 3. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example user interfaces,including user interfaces displayed while tactile outputs are generated,and FIGS. 5A-5L illustrate tactile outputs, combinations of tactileoutputs and audio outputs, produced while executing various applicationsand generating and mixing tactile outputs to produce combined tactileoutputs. FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate a flow diagram of a method of combiningtactile outputs corresponding to triggering conditions or inputs frommultiple sources, and applying limits to the number of tactile outputscombined, or to the magnitude and/or frequency components of thecombined tactile outputs. FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a flow diagram of amethod of prioritizing tactile outputs corresponding to inputs onhardware elements over other tactile outputs. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate aflow diagram of a method of mixing of tactile outputs in accordance withpriorities of those tactile outputs. The user interfaces in FIGS. 4A-4Cand the tactile outputs and audio outputs in FIGS. 5A-5J are used toillustrate the processes in FIGS. 6A-6F. The user interfaces in FIGS.4A-4C and the tactile outputs and audio outputs in FIGS. 5H, 5I and 5Kare used to illustrate the processes in FIGS. 7A-7D. The user interfacesin FIGS. 4A-4C and the tactile outputs and audio outputs in FIGS. 5A,5H-5J and 5L are used to illustrate the processes in FIGS. 8A-8D.

Example Devices

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However,it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the variousdescribed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contactcould be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact couldbe termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of thevarious described embodiments. The first contact and the second contactare both contacts, but they are not the same contact, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

The terminology used in the description of the various describedembodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thedescription of the various described embodiments and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when”or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,”depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or“if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construedto mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upondetecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting[the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as amobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/ormusic player functions. Example embodiments of portable multifunctiondevices include, without limitation, the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad®devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portable electronicdevices, such as laptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitivesurfaces (e.g., touch-screen displays and/or touchpads), are,optionally, used. It should also be understood that, in someembodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but isa desktop computer with a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch-screendisplay and/or a touchpad).

In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the electronic device optionally includes oneor more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physicalkeyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick.

The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one ormore of the following: a note taking application, a drawing application,a presentation application, a word processing application, a websitecreation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheetapplication, a gaming application, a telephone application, a videoconferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messagingapplication, a workout support application, a photo managementapplication, a digital camera application, a digital video cameraapplication, a web browsing application, a digital music playerapplication, and/or a digital video player application.

The various applications that are executed on the device optionally useat least one common physical user-interface device, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the deviceare, optionally, adjusted and/or varied from one application to the nextand/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physicalarchitecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the deviceoptionally supports the variety of applications with user interfacesthat are intuitive and transparent to the user.

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices withtouch-sensitive displays. FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustratingportable multifunction device 100 with touch-sensitive display system112 in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitive display system112 is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, and issometimes simply called a touch-sensitive display. Device 100 includesmemory 102 (which optionally includes one or more computer readablestorage mediums), memory controller 122, one or more processing units(CPUs) 120, peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry110, speaker 111, microphone 113, input/output (I/O) subsystem 106,other input or control devices 116, and external port 124. Device 100optionally includes one or more optical sensors 164. Device 100optionally includes one or more intensity sensors 165 for detectingintensity of contacts on device 100 (e.g., a touch-sensitive surfacesuch as touch-sensitive display system 112 of device 100). Device 100optionally includes one or more tactile output generators 167 forgenerating tactile outputs on device 100 (e.g., generating tactileoutputs on a touch-sensitive surface such as touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 of device 100 or touchpad 355 of device 300). Thesecomponents optionally communicate over one or more communication busesor signal lines 103.

As used in the specification and claims, the term “tactile output”refers to physical displacement of a device relative to a previousposition of the device, physical displacement of a component (e.g., atouch-sensitive surface) of a device relative to another component(e.g., housing) of the device, or displacement of the component relativeto a center of mass of the device that will be detected by a user withthe user's sense of touch. For example, in situations where the deviceor the component of the device is in contact with a surface of a userthat is sensitive to touch (e.g., a finger, palm, or other part of auser's hand), the tactile output generated by the physical displacementwill be interpreted by the user as a tactile sensation corresponding toa perceived change in physical characteristics of the device or thecomponent of the device. For example, movement of a touch-sensitivesurface (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or trackpad) is, optionally,interpreted by the user as a “down click” or “up click” of a physicalactuator button. In some cases, a user will feel a tactile sensationsuch as an “down click” or “up click” even when there is no movement ofa physical actuator button associated with the touch-sensitive surfacethat is physically pressed (e.g., displaced) by the user's movements. Asanother example, movement of the touch-sensitive surface is, optionally,interpreted or sensed by the user as “roughness” of the touch-sensitivesurface, even when there is no change in smoothness of thetouch-sensitive surface. While such interpretations of touch by a userwill be subject to the individualized sensory perceptions of the user,there are many sensory perceptions of touch that are common to a largemajority of users. Thus, when a tactile output is described ascorresponding to a particular sensory perception of a user (e.g., an “upclick,” a “down click,” “roughness”), unless otherwise stated, thegenerated tactile output corresponds to physical displacement of thedevice or a component thereof that will generate the described sensoryperception for a typical (or average) user.

In some embodiments, a tactile output pattern specifies characteristicsof a tactile output, such as the amplitude of the tactile output, theshape of a movement waveform of the tactile output, the frequency of thetactile output, and/or the duration of the tactile output.

When tactile outputs with different tactile output patterns aregenerated by a device (e.g., via one or more tactile output generatorsthat move a moveable mass to generate tactile outputs), the tactileoutputs may invoke different haptic sensations in a user holding ortouching the device. While the sensation of the user is based on theuser's perception of the tactile output, most users will be able toidentify changes in waveform, frequency, and amplitude of tactileoutputs generated by the device. Thus, the waveform, frequency andamplitude can be adjusted to indicate to the user that differentoperations have been performed. As such, tactile outputs with tactileoutput patterns that are designed, selected, and/or engineered tosimulate characteristics (e.g., size, material, weight, stiffness,smoothness, etc.); behaviors (e.g., oscillation, displacement,acceleration, rotation, expansion, etc.); and/or interactions (e.g.,collision, adhesion, repulsion, attraction, friction, etc.) of objectsin a given environment (e.g., a user interface that includes graphicalfeatures and objects, a simulated physical environment with virtualboundaries and virtual objects, a real physical environment withphysical boundaries and physical objects, and/or a combination of any ofthe above) will, in some circumstances, provide helpful feedback tousers that reduces input errors and increases the efficiency of theuser's operation of the device. Additionally, tactile outputs are,optionally, generated to correspond to feedback that is unrelated to asimulated physical characteristic, such as an input threshold or aselection of an object. Such tactile outputs will, in somecircumstances, provide helpful feedback to users that reduces inputerrors and increases the efficiency of the user's operation of thedevice.

In some embodiments, a tactile output with a suitable tactile outputpattern serves as a cue for the occurrence of an event of interest in auser interface or behind the scenes in a device. Examples of the eventsof interest include activation of an affordance (e.g., a real or virtualbutton, or toggle switch) provided on the device or in a user interface,success or failure of a requested operation, reaching or crossing aboundary in a user interface, entry into a new state, switching of inputfocus between objects, activation of a new mode, reaching or crossing aninput threshold, detection or recognition of a type of input or gesture,etc. In some embodiments, tactile outputs are provided to serve as awarning or an alert for an impending event or outcome that would occurunless a redirection or interruption input is timely detected. Tactileoutputs are also used in other contexts to enrich the user experience,improve the accessibility of the device to users with visual or motordifficulties or other accessibility needs, and/or improve efficiency andfunctionality of the user interface and/or the device. Tactile outputsare optionally accompanied with audio outputs and/or visible userinterface changes, which further enhance a user's experience when theuser interacts with a user interface and/or the device, and facilitatebetter conveyance of information regarding the state of the userinterface and/or the device, and which reduce input errors and increasethe efficiency of the user's operation of the device.

FIG. 4D provides a set of sample tactile output patterns that may beused, either individually or in combination, either as is or through oneor more transformations (e.g., modulation, amplification, truncation,etc.), to create suitable haptic feedback in various scenarios and forvarious purposes, such as those mentioned above and those described withrespect to the user interfaces and methods discussed herein. Thisexample of a palette of tactile outputs shows how a set of threewaveforms and eight frequencies can be used to produce an array oftactile output patterns. In addition to the tactile output patternsshown in this figure, each of these tactile output patterns isoptionally adjusted in amplitude by changing a gain value for thetactile output pattern, as shown, for example for FullTap 80 Hz, FullTap200 Hz, MiniTap 80 Hz, MiniTap 200 Hz, MicroTap 80 Hz, and MicroTap 200Hz in FIG. 4E, which are each shown with variants having a gain of 1.0,0.75, 0.5, and 0.25. As shown in FIG. 4E, changing the gain of a tactileoutput pattern changes the amplitude of the pattern without changing thefrequency of the pattern or changing the shape of the waveform. In someembodiments, changing the frequency of a tactile output pattern alsoresults in a lower amplitude as some tactile output generators arelimited by how much force can be applied to the moveable mass and thushigher frequency movements of the mass are constrained to loweramplitudes to ensure that the acceleration needed to create the waveformdoes not require force outside of an operational force range of thetactile output generator (e.g., the peak amplitudes of the FullTap at230 Hz, 270 Hz, and 300 Hz are lower than the amplitudes of the FullTapat 80 hz, 100 Hz, 125 Hz, and 200 Hz).

In FIG. 4D, each column shows tactile output patterns that have aparticular waveform. The waveform of a tactile output pattern representsthe pattern of physical displacements relative to a neutral position(e.g., x_(zero)) versus time that a moveable mass goes through togenerate a tactile output with that tactile output pattern. For example,a first set of tactile output patterns shown in the left column in FIG.4D (e.g., tactile output patterns of a “FullTap”) each have a waveformthat includes an oscillation with two complete cycles (e.g., anoscillation that starts and ends in a neutral position and crosses theneutral position three times). A second set of tactile output patternsshown in the middle column in FIG. 4D (e.g., tactile output patterns ofa “MiniTap”) each have a waveform that includes an oscillation thatincludes one complete cycle (e.g., an oscillation that starts and endsin a neutral position and crosses the neutral position one time). Athird set of tactile output patterns shown in the right column in FIG.4D (e.g., tactile output patterns of a “MicroTap”) each have a waveformthat includes an oscillation that include one half of a complete cycle(e.g., an oscillation that starts and ends in a neutral position anddoes not cross the neutral position). The waveform of a tactile outputpattern also includes a start buffer and an end buffer that representthe gradual speeding up and slowing down of the moveable mass at thestart and at the end of the tactile output. The example waveforms shownin FIG. 4D-4E include x_(min) and x_(max) values which represent themaximum and minimum extent of movement of the moveable mass. For largerelectronic devices with larger moveable masses, there may be larger orsmaller minimum and maximum extents of movement of the mass. The exampleshown in FIGS. 4D-4E describes movement of a mass in 1 dimension;however similar principles would also apply to movement of a moveablemass in two or three dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 4D, each tactile output pattern also has acorresponding characteristic frequency that affects the “pitch” of ahaptic sensation that is felt by a user from a tactile output with thatcharacteristic frequency. For a continuous tactile output, thecharacteristic frequency represents the number of cycles that arecompleted within a given period of time (e.g., cycles per second) by themoveable mass of the tactile output generator. For a discrete tactileoutput, a discrete output signal (e.g., with 0.5, 1, or 2 cycles) isgenerated, and the characteristic frequency value specifies how fast themoveable mass needs to move to generate a tactile output with thatcharacteristic frequency. As shown in FIG. 4D, for each type of tactileoutput (e.g., as defined by a respective waveform, such as FullTap,MiniTap, or MicroTap), a higher frequency value corresponds to fastermovement(s) by the moveable mass, and hence, in general, a shorter timeto complete the tactile output (e.g., including the time to complete therequired number of cycle(s) for the discrete tactile output, plus astart and an end buffer time). For example, a FullTap with acharacteristic frequency of 80 Hz takes longer to complete than FullTapwith a characteristic frequency of 100 Hz (e.g., 35.4 ms vs. 28.3 ms inFIG. 4D). In addition, for a given frequency, a tactile output with morecycles in its waveform at a respective frequency takes longer tocomplete than a tactile output with fewer cycles its waveform at thesame respective frequency. For example, a FullTap at 150 Hz takes longerto complete than a MiniTap at 150 Hz (e.g., 19.4 ms vs. 12.8 ms), and aMiniTap at 150 Hz takes longer to complete than a MicroTap at 150 Hz(e.g., 12.8 ms vs. 9.4 ms). However, for tactile output patterns withdifferent frequencies this rule may not apply (e.g., tactile outputswith more cycles but a higher frequency may take a shorter amount oftime to complete than tactile outputs with fewer cycles but a lowerfrequency, and vice versa). For example, at 300 Hz, a FullTap takes aslong as a MiniTap (e.g., 9.9 ms).

As shown in FIG. 4D, a tactile output pattern also has a characteristicamplitude that affects the amount of energy that is contained in atactile signal, or a “strength” of a haptic sensation that may be feltby a user through a tactile output with that characteristic amplitude.In some embodiments, the characteristic amplitude of a tactile outputpattern refers to an absolute or normalized value that represents themaximum displacement of the moveable mass from a neutral position whengenerating the tactile output. In some embodiments, the characteristicamplitude of a tactile output pattern is adjustable, e.g., by a fixed ordynamically determined gain factor (e.g., a value between 0 and 1), inaccordance with various conditions (e.g., customized based on userinterface contexts and behaviors) and/or preconfigured metrics (e.g.,input-based metrics, and/or user-interface-based metrics). In someembodiments, an input-based metric (e.g., an intensity-change metric oran input-speed metric) measures a characteristic of an input (e.g., arate of change of a characteristic intensity of a contact in a pressinput or a rate of movement of the contact across a touch-sensitivesurface) during the input that triggers generation of a tactile output.In some embodiments, a user-interface-based metric (e.g., aspeed-across-boundary metric) measures a characteristic of a userinterface element (e.g., a speed of movement of the element across ahidden or visible boundary in a user interface) during the userinterface change that triggers generation of the tactile output. In someembodiments, the characteristic amplitude of a tactile output patternmay be modulated by an “envelope” and the peaks of adjacent cycles mayhave different amplitudes, where one of the waveforms shown above isfurther modified by multiplication by an envelope parameter that changesover time (e.g., from 0 to 1) to gradually adjust amplitude of portionsof the tactile output over time as the tactile output is beinggenerated.

Although specific frequencies, amplitudes, and waveforms are representedin the sample tactile output patterns in FIG. 4D for illustrativepurposes, tactile output patterns with other frequencies, amplitudes,and waveforms may be used for similar purposes. For example, waveformsthat have between 0.5 to 4 cycles can be used. Other frequencies in therange of 60 Hz-400 Hz may be used as well. Table 1 provides examples ofparticular haptic feedback behaviors, configurations, and examples oftheir use.

TABLE 1 Be- havior Config- Feedback uration Configuration Examples UserInterface Haptics Retarget MicroTap Drag calendar event across dayDefault High (270 Hz) boundary Gain: 0.4 Retarget in orb quick actionmenu Minimum Sliding over origin point in a scrubber Interval : 0.05Reaching 0 degrees when cropping/ straightening Rearranging a list whenitems snap together Retarget MicroTap Retarget in A-Z scrubber StrongHigh (270 Hz) Gain: 0.5 Minimum Interval: 0.05 Retarget MicroTapSpinning a wheel in the wheels of time Picker High (270 Hz) userinterface Gain: 0.4 Minimum Interval: 0.05 Impact MicroTap Changingscrubbing speed when Default Medium adjusting a slider (150 Hz) Creatinga new calendar event by Gain max: 0.8 tapping and holding Gain min: 0.0Activating a toggle switch (changing the switch from on to off or off toon) Reaching a predefined orientation on a compass (e.g., every 45degrees from North) Reaching a level state (e.g., 0 degrees tilt in anyaxis for 0.5 seconds) Dropping a pin in a map Sending or receiving amessage with an emphasis animation (e.g., “slam” effect) Sending orreceiving an acknowledg- ment of a message Snapping a ruler to differentorienta- tions (e.g., every 45 degrees) Crossing over a suggested photowhile scrubbing through a burst of photos Crossing over a detent in ascrubber (e.g., text size, haptic strength, display brightness, displaycolor temperature) Transaction failure notification (ApplePay Failure)Impact MicroTap Picking up an existing item (e.g., a Light Mediumcalendar event, a favorite in web (150 Hz) browser) Gain max: 0.6 Movinga time selector over a minor Gain min: 0.0 division of time (e.g., 15min) in sleep alarm Impact MicroTap Moving a time selector over a majorStrong Medium division of time (e.g., 1 hour) in sleep (150 Hz) alarmGain max: 1.0 Gain min: 0.0 Edge MicroTap Dragging a brightness scrubberto an Scrub- Medium edge of the scrubber ber (150 Hz) Dragging a volumescrubber to an edge Gain max: 0.6 of the scrubber Gain min: 0.3 EdgeMicroTap Reaching maximum zoom level when Zoom High (270 Hz) zoominginto a photo Gain: 0.6 Re-centering a map Drag MicroTap Pickup and dropan event in calendar Default High (270 Hz) Gain Pickup: 1.0 Gain Drop:0.6 Drag MicroTap Rearrange lists in weather, contacts, Snap- High (270Hz) music, etc. ping Gain Pickup: 1.0 Gain Drop: 0.6 Gain Snap: 1.0States Swipe in: Swipe to delete a mail message or Swipe MiniTap Highconversation Swipe to mark a mail Action (270 Hz) message as read/unreadin mail Gain: 1.0 Swipe to delete a table row (e.g., Swipe out: adocument in a document creation/ MicroTap viewing application, a noteHigh (270 Hz) in a notes application, a location Gain: 0.55 in a weatherapplication, a podcast in a podcast application, a song in a playlist ina music application, a voice memo in a voice recording application Swipeto delete a message while displaying a pressure-triggered preview Swipeto mark a message as read/ unread while displaying a pressure- triggeredpreview Swipe to delete a news article Swipe to favorite/love a newsarticle Button MicroTap Reply to message/conversation Default High (270Hz) Adding a bookmark in an electronic Gain: 0.9 book reader applicationActivating a virtual assistant Starting to record a voice memo Stoppingrecording a voice memo Button MiniTap Low Delete message/conversationDe- (100 Hz) structive Feedback Intensity: 0.8 Event FullTapConfirmation that a payment has Success Medium been made Alert thatauthentication (200 Hz) is needed to make a payment (e.g., Gain: 0.7biometric authentication or passcode MiniTap High authentication) (270Hz) Adding a payment account to an Gain: 1.0 electronic walletapplication Event MiniTap High Failure to process a payment Error (270Hz) transaction Gain: 0.85 Failure to authenticate a fingerprint Gain:0.75 detected on a fingerprint sensor FullTap Incorrectpasscode/password entered Medium in a passcode/password entry UI (200Hz) Gain: 0.65 FullTap Low (150 Hz) Gain: 0.75 Event FullTap High Shaketo undo Warning (300 Hz) Gain: 0.9 FullTap Custom (270 Hz) Gain: 0.9Force Press States MicroTap Orb - Peek/Preview (e.g., peek at a mailPreview Custom message) (200 Hz) Gain: 1.0 States FullTap Orb -Pop/Commit (e.g., pop into full Preview Custom mail message) (150 Hz)Gain: 1.0 States MicroTap Orb - Unavailable (e.g., press hard PreviewCustom on an app icon that doesn't have any (200 Hz) associated quickactions) Gain: 1.0 System Haptics Device MicroTap Press power buttononce to lock device Locked Medium (150 Hz) Gain: 1.0 MiniTap Medium (150Hz) Gain: 1.0 Vibe on Vibe at 150 Hz Attach device to power sourceAttach that gradually increases or decreases in amplitude Ring- Customtactile Receive phone call or text message tones & output using Alertsone or more of: Vibe 150 Hz MicroTap 150 Hz MiniTap 150 Hz FullTap 150Hz Solid-State Home Button 1 MiniTap Press home button with click option(“Tick”) 230 Hz 1 selected Gain: 1.0 2 MiniTap Press home button withclick option (“Tak”) 270 Hz 2 selected Gain: 1.0 3 MiniTap Press homebutton with click option (“Tock”) 300 Hz 3 selected Gain: 1.0

The examples shown above in Table 1 are intended to illustrate a rangeof circumstances in which tactile outputs can be generated for differentinputs and events. Table 1 should not be taken as a requirement that adevice respond to each of the listed inputs or events with the indicatedtactile output. Rather, Table 1 is intended to illustrate how tactileoutputs vary and/or are similar for different inputs and/or events(e.g., based on the tactile output pattern, frequency, gain, etc.). Forexample Table 1 shows how an “event success” tactile output varies froman “event failure” tactile output and how a retarget tactile outputdiffers from an impact tactile output.

It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 100 optionally has moreor fewer components than shown, optionally combines two or morecomponents, or optionally has a different configuration or arrangementof the components. The various components shown in FIG. 1A areimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof,including one or more signal processing and/or application specificintegrated circuits.

Memory 102 optionally includes high-speed random access memory andoptionally also includes non-volatile memory, such as one or moremagnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory 102 by othercomponents of device 100, such as CPU(s) 120 and the peripheralsinterface 118, is, optionally, controlled by memory controller 122.

Peripherals interface 118 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU(s) 120 and memory 102. The one or moreprocessors 120 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions fordevice 100 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 118, CPU(s) 120, and memorycontroller 122 are, optionally, implemented on a single chip, such aschip 104. In some other embodiments, they are, optionally, implementedon separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 optionally includes well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 108 optionally communicates with networks, such as theInternet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranetand/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, awireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network(MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wirelesscommunication optionally uses any of a plurality of communicationsstandards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited toGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA),high-speed uplink packet access (HSDPA), Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO),HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term evolution (LTE), nearfield communication (NFC), wideband code division multiple access(W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a,IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol fore-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post officeprotocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging andpresence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol, including communication protocolsnot yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, and microphone 113 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 100. Audio circuitry 110 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 118, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 111.Speaker 111 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 110 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 113 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 110 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 118 for processing. Audio data is, optionally,retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory 102 and/or RF circuitry 108by peripherals interface 118. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 110also includes a headset jack (e.g., 212, FIG. 2). The headset jackprovides an interface between audio circuitry 110 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on device 100, suchas touch-sensitive display system 112 and other input or control devices116, with peripherals interface 118. I/O subsystem 106 optionallyincludes display controller 156, optical sensor controller 158,intensity sensor controller 159, haptic feedback controller 161, and oneor more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices. Theone or more input controllers 160 receive/send electrical signalsfrom/to other input or control devices 116. The other input or controldevices 116 optionally include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons,rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels,and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s) 160are, optionally, coupled with any (or none) of the following: akeyboard, infrared port, USB port, stylus, and/or a pointer device suchas a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 208, FIG. 2) optionallyinclude an up/down button for volume control of speaker 111 and/ormicrophone 113. The one or more buttons optionally include a push button(e.g., 206, FIG. 2).

Touch-sensitive display system 112 provides an input interface and anoutput interface between the device and a user. Display controller 156receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch-sensitive displaysystem 112. Touch-sensitive display system 112 displays visual output tothe user. The visual output optionally includes graphics, text, icons,video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). Insome embodiments, some or all of the visual output corresponds to userinterface objects. As used herein, the term “affordance” refers to auser-interactive graphical user interface object (e.g., a graphical userinterface object that is configured to respond to inputs directed towardthe graphical user interface object). Examples of user-interactivegraphical user interface objects include, without limitation, a button,slider, icon, selectable menu item, switch, hyperlink, or other userinterface control.

Touch-sensitive display system 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensoror set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on hapticand/or tactile contact. Touch-sensitive display system 112 and displaycontroller 156 (along with any associated modules and/or sets ofinstructions in memory 102) detect contact (and any movement or breakingof the contact) on touch-sensitive display system 112 and converts thedetected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., oneor more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed ontouch-sensitive display system 112. In an example embodiment, a point ofcontact between touch-sensitive display system 112 and the usercorresponds to a finger of the user or a stylus.

Touch-sensitive display system 112 optionally uses LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, orLED (light emitting diode) technology, although other displaytechnologies are used in other embodiments. Touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 and display controller 156 optionally detect contact and anymovement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensingtechnologies now known or later developed, including but not limited tocapacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies,as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements fordetermining one or more points of contact with touch-sensitive displaysystem 112. In an example embodiment, projected mutual capacitancesensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone®, iPodTouch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

Touch-sensitive display system 112 optionally has a video resolution inexcess of 100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen videoresolution is in excess of 400 dpi (e.g., 500 dpi, 800 dpi, or greater).The user optionally makes contact with touch-sensitive display system112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger,and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed towork with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precisethan stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger onthe touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the roughfinger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command forperforming the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 100optionally includes a touchpad (not shown) for activating ordeactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad isa touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, doesnot display visual output. The touchpad is, optionally, atouch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by thetouch screen.

Device 100 also includes power system 162 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 162 optionally includes a power managementsystem, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current(AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a powerconverter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emittingdiode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more optical sensors 164.FIG. 1A shows an optical sensor coupled with optical sensor controller158 in I/O subsystem 106. Optical sensor(s) 164 optionally includecharge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor(s) 164 receive light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the lightto data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 143(also called a camera module), optical sensor(s) 164 optionally capturestill images and/or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor islocated on the back of device 100, opposite touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 on the front of the device, so that the touch screen isenabled for use as a viewfinder for still and/or video imageacquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located onthe front of the device so that the user's image is obtained (e.g., forselfies, for videoconferencing while the user views the other videoconference participants on the touch screen, etc.).

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more contact intensitysensors 165. FIG. 1A shows a contact intensity sensor coupled withintensity sensor controller 159 in I/O subsystem 106. Contact intensitysensor(s) 165 optionally include one or more piezoresistive straingauges, capacitive force sensors, electric force sensors, piezoelectricforce sensors, optical force sensors, capacitive touch-sensitivesurfaces, or other intensity sensors (e.g., sensors used to measure theforce (or pressure) of a contact on a touch-sensitive surface). Contactintensity sensor(s) 165 receive contact intensity information (e.g.,pressure information or a proxy for pressure information) from theenvironment. In some embodiments, at least one contact intensity sensoris collocated with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,touch-sensitive display system 112). In some embodiments, at least onecontact intensity sensor is located on the back of device 100, oppositetouch-screen display system 112 which is located on the front of device100.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more proximity sensors 166.FIG. 1A shows proximity sensor 166 coupled with peripherals interface118. Alternately, proximity sensor 166 is coupled with input controller160 in I/O subsystem 106. In some embodiments, the proximity sensorturns off and disables touch-sensitive display system 112 when themultifunction device is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the useris making a phone call).

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more tactile outputgenerators 167. FIG. 1A shows a tactile output generator coupled withhaptic feedback controller 161 in I/O subsystem 106. Tactile outputgenerator(s) 167 optionally include one or more electroacoustic devicessuch as speakers or other audio components and/or electromechanicaldevices that convert energy into linear motion such as a motor,solenoid, electroactive polymer, piezoelectric actuator, electrostaticactuator, or other tactile output generating component (e.g., acomponent that converts electrical signals into tactile outputs on thedevice). Tactile output generator(s) 167 receive tactile feedbackgeneration instructions from haptic feedback module 133 and generatestactile outputs on device 100 that are capable of being sensed by a userof device 100. In some embodiments, at least one tactile outputgenerator is collocated with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112) and, optionally, generates atactile output by moving the touch-sensitive surface vertically (e.g.,in/out of a surface of device 100) or laterally (e.g., back and forth inthe same plane as a surface of device 100). In some embodiments, atleast one tactile output generator sensor is located on the back ofdevice 100, opposite touch-sensitive display system 112, which islocated on the front of device 100.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more accelerometers 168. FIG.1A shows accelerometer 168 coupled with peripherals interface 118.Alternately, accelerometer 168 is, optionally, coupled with an inputcontroller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. In some embodiments, information isdisplayed on the touch-screen display in a portrait view or a landscapeview based on an analysis of data received from the one or moreaccelerometers. Device 100 optionally includes, in addition toaccelerometer(s) 168, a magnetometer (not shown) and a GPS (or GLONASSor other global navigation system) receiver (not shown) for obtaininginformation concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait orlandscape) of device 100.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 102include operating system 126, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 128, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 130,graphics module (or set of instructions) 132, haptic feedback module (orset of instructions) 133, text input module (or set of instructions)134, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions)135, and applications (or sets of instructions) 136. Furthermore, insome embodiments, memory 102 stores device/global internal state 157, asshown in FIGS. 1A and 3. Device/global internal state 157 includes oneor more of: active application state, indicating which applications, ifany, are currently active; display state, indicating what applications,views or other information occupy various regions of touch-sensitivedisplay system 112; sensor state, including information obtained fromthe device's various sensors and other input or control devices 116; andlocation and/or positional information concerning the device's locationand/or attitude.

Operating system 126 (e.g., iOS, Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X,WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includesvarious software components and/or drivers for controlling and managinggeneral system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control,power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between varioushardware and software components.

Communication module 128 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 124 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 108 and/orexternal port 124. External port 124 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB),FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices orindirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). Insome embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the30-pin connector used in some iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devicesfrom Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In some embodiments, the externalport is a Lightning connector that is the same as, or similar to and/orcompatible with the Lightning connector used in some iPhone®, iPodTouch®, and iPad® devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects contact withtouch-sensitive display system 112 (in conjunction with displaycontroller 156) and other touch-sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad orphysical click wheel). Contact/motion module 130 includes varioussoftware components for performing various operations related todetection of contact (e.g., by a finger or by a stylus), such asdetermining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-downevent), determining an intensity of the contact (e.g., the force orpressure of the contact or a substitute for the force or pressure of thecontact), determining if there is movement of the contact and trackingthe movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one ormore finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased(e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact).Contact/motion module 130 receives contact data from the touch-sensitivesurface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which isrepresented by a series of contact data, optionally includes determiningspeed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or anacceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point ofcontact. These operations are, optionally, applied to single contacts(e.g., one finger contacts or stylus contacts) or to multiplesimultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). Insome embodiments, contact/motion module 130 and display controller 156detect contact on a touchpad.

Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns (e.g., different motions, timings, and/or intensities ofdetected contacts). Thus, a gesture is, optionally, detected bydetecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a fingertap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detectinga finger-up (lift off) event at the same position (or substantially thesame position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of anicon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on thetouch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followedby detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequentlyfollowed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event. Similarly, tap,swipe, drag, and other gestures are optionally detected for a stylus bydetecting a particular contact pattern for the stylus.

Graphics module 132 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch-sensitive display system 112or other display, including components for changing the visual impact(e.g., brightness, transparency, saturation, contrast or other visualproperty) of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term“graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user,including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such asuser-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos,animations and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 132 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic is, optionally, assigned acorresponding code. Graphics module 132 receives, from applicationsetc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with,if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and thengenerates screen image data to output to display controller 156.

Haptic feedback module 133 includes various software components forgenerating instructions used by tactile output generator(s) 167 toproduce tactile outputs at one or more locations on device 100 inresponse to user interactions with device 100.

Text input module 134, which is, optionally, a component of graphicsmodule 132, provides soft keyboards for entering text in variousapplications (e.g., contacts 137, e-mail 140, IM 141, browser 147, andany other application that needs text input).

GPS module 135 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 138 foruse in location-based dialing, to camera 143 as picture/video metadata,and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Applications 136 optionally include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   contacts module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact        list);    -   telephone module 138;    -   video conferencing module 139;    -   e-mail client module 140;    -   instant messaging (IM) module 141;    -   workout support module 142;    -   camera module 143 for still and/or video images;    -   image management module 144;    -   browser module 147;    -   calendar module 148;    -   widget modules 149, which optionally include one or more of:        weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget        149-3, alarm clock widget 149-4, dictionary widget 149-5, and        other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created        widgets 149-6;    -   widget creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6;    -   search module 151;    -   video and music player module 152, which is, optionally, made up        of a video player module and a music player module;    -   notes module 153;    -   map module 154; and/or    -   online video module 155.

Examples of other applications 136 that are, optionally, stored inmemory 102 include other word processing applications, other imageediting applications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication.

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, contacts module 137 includes executable instructions tomanage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in applicationinternal state 192 of contacts module 137 in memory 102 or memory 370),including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from theaddress book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es),physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating animage with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephonenumbers and/or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitatecommunications by telephone 138, video conference 139, e-mail 140, or IM141; and so forth.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch-sensitive display system 112, display controller156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134,telephone module 138 includes executable instructions to enter asequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access oneor more telephone numbers in address book 137, modify a telephone numberthat has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct aconversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation iscompleted. As noted above, the wireless communication optionally usesany of a plurality of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch-sensitive display system 112, display controller156, optical sensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158, contactmodule 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, contact list137, and telephone module 138, videoconferencing module 139 includesexecutable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a videoconference between a user and one or more other participants inaccordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132,and text input module 134, e-mail client module 140 includes executableinstructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response touser instructions. In conjunction with image management module 144,e-mail client module 140 makes it very easy to create and send e-mailswith still or video images taken with camera module 143.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132,and text input module 134, the instant messaging module 141 includesexecutable instructions to enter a sequence of characters correspondingto an instant message, to modify previously entered characters, totransmit a respective instant message (for example, using a ShortMessage Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol fortelephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, Apple PushNotification Service (APNs) or IMPS for Internet-based instantmessages), to receive instant messages and to view received instantmessages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or received instantmessages optionally include graphics, photos, audio files, video filesand/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an EnhancedMessaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers toboth telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) andInternet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, APNs,or IMPS).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132,text input module 134, GPS module 135, map module 154, and music playermodule 152, workout support module 142 includes executable instructionsto create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burninggoals); communicate with workout sensors (in sports devices and smartwatches); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitora workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store andtransmit workout data.

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, displaycontroller 156, optical sensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158,contact module 130, graphics module 132, and image management module144, camera module 143 includes executable instructions to capture stillimages or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory102, modify characteristics of a still image or video, and/or delete astill image or video from memory 102.

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, and camera module 143, image management module 144 includesexecutable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwisemanipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show oralbum), and store still and/or video images.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module132, and text input module 134, browser module 147 includes executableinstructions to browse the Internet in accordance with userinstructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displayingweb pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other fileslinked to web pages.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module132, text input module 134, e-mail client module 140, and browser module147, calendar module 148 includes executable instructions to create,display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars(e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, widget modules 149are mini-applications that are, optionally, downloaded and used by auser (e.g., weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget149-3, alarm clock widget 149-4, and dictionary widget 149-5) or createdby the user (e.g., user-created widget 149-6). In some embodiments, awidget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS(Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In someembodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) fileand a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, the widget creatormodule 150 includes executable instructions to create widgets (e.g.,turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget).

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, search module 151 includes executable instructions to searchfor text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory 102that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specifiedsearch terms) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, and browser module 147, video andmusic player module 152 includes executable instructions that allow theuser to download and play back recorded music and other sound filesstored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, andexecutable instructions to display, present or otherwise play backvideos (e.g., on touch-sensitive display system 112, or on an externaldisplay connected wirelessly or via external port 124). In someembodiments, device 100 optionally includes the functionality of an MP3player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.).

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, notes module 153 includes executable instructions to createand manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch-sensitive display system112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module132, text input module 134, GPS module 135, and browser module 147, mapmodule 154 includes executable instructions to receive, display, modify,and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions;data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particularlocation; and other location-based data) in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with touch-sensitive display system 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, text input module 134, e-mail clientmodule 140, and browser module 147, online video module 155 includesexecutable instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive(e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touchscreen 112, or on an external display connected wirelessly or viaexternal port 124), send an e-mail with a link to a particular onlinevideo, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats,such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging module 141, ratherthan e-mail client module 140, is used to send a link to a particularonline video.

Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules are, optionally, combined orotherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments,memory 102 optionally stores a subset of the modules and data structuresidentified above. Furthermore, memory 102 optionally stores additionalmodules and data structures not described above.

In some embodiments, device 100 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device100, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons,dials, and the like) on device 100 is, optionally, reduced.

The predefined set of functions that are performed exclusively through atouch screen and/or a touchpad optionally include navigation betweenuser interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by theuser, navigates device 100 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that is displayed on device 100. In such embodiments, a “menubutton” is implemented using a touchpad. In some other embodiments, themenu button is a physical push button or other physical input controldevice instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating example components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,memory 102 (in FIG. 1A) or 370 (FIG. 3) includes event sorter 170 (e.g.,in operating system 126) and a respective application 136-1 (e.g., anyof the aforementioned applications 136, 137-155, 380-390).

Event sorter 170 receives event information and determines theapplication 136-1 and application view 191 of application 136-1 to whichto deliver the event information. Event sorter 170 includes eventmonitor 171 and event dispatcher module 174. In some embodiments,application 136-1 includes application internal state 192, whichindicates the current application view(s) displayed on touch-sensitivedisplay system 112 when the application is active or executing. In someembodiments, device/global internal state 157 is used by event sorter170 to determine which application(s) is (are) currently active, andapplication internal state 192 is used by event sorter 170 to determineapplication views 191 to which to deliver event information.

In some embodiments, application internal state 192 includes additionalinformation, such as one or more of: resume information to be used whenapplication 136-1 resumes execution, user interface state informationthat indicates information being displayed or that is ready for displayby application 136-1, a state queue for enabling the user to go back toa prior state or view of application 136-1, and a redo/undo queue ofprevious actions taken by the user.

Event monitor 171 receives event information from peripherals interface118. Event information includes information about a sub-event (e.g., auser touch on touch-sensitive display system 112, as part of amulti-touch gesture). Peripherals interface 118 transmits information itreceives from I/O subsystem 106 or a sensor, such as proximity sensor166, accelerometer(s) 168, and/or microphone 113 (through audiocircuitry 110). Information that peripherals interface 118 receives fromI/O subsystem 106 includes information from touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 or a touch-sensitive surface.

In some embodiments, event monitor 171 sends requests to the peripheralsinterface 118 at predetermined intervals. In response, peripheralsinterface 118 transmits event information. In other embodiments,peripheral interface 118 transmits event information only when there isa significant event (e.g., receiving an input above a predeterminednoise threshold and/or for more than a predetermined duration).

In some embodiments, event sorter 170 also includes a hit viewdetermination module 172 and/or an active event recognizer determinationmodule 173.

Hit view determination module 172 provides software procedures fordetermining where a sub-event has taken place within one or more views,when touch-sensitive display system 112 displays more than one view.Views are made up of controls and other elements that a user can see onthe display.

Another aspect of the user interface associated with an application is aset of views, sometimes herein called application views or userinterface windows, in which information is displayed and touch-basedgestures occur. The application views (of a respective application) inwhich a touch is detected optionally correspond to programmatic levelswithin a programmatic or view hierarchy of the application. For example,the lowest level view in which a touch is detected is, optionally,called the hit view, and the set of events that are recognized as properinputs are, optionally, determined based, at least in part, on the hitview of the initial touch that begins a touch-based gesture.

Hit view determination module 172 receives information related tosub-events of a touch-based gesture. When an application has multipleviews organized in a hierarchy, hit view determination module 172identifies a hit view as the lowest view in the hierarchy which shouldhandle the sub-event. In most circumstances, the hit view is the lowestlevel view in which an initiating sub-event occurs (i.e., the firstsub-event in the sequence of sub-events that form an event or potentialevent). Once the hit view is identified by the hit view determinationmodule, the hit view typically receives all sub-events related to thesame touch or input source for which it was identified as the hit view.

Active event recognizer determination module 173 determines which viewor views within a view hierarchy should receive a particular sequence ofsub-events. In some embodiments, active event recognizer determinationmodule 173 determines that only the hit view should receive a particularsequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, active event recognizerdetermination module 173 determines that all views that include thephysical location of a sub-event are actively involved views, andtherefore determines that all actively involved views should receive aparticular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touchsub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with oneparticular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain asactively involved views.

Event dispatcher module 174 dispatches the event information to an eventrecognizer (e.g., event recognizer 180). In embodiments including activeevent recognizer determination module 173, event dispatcher module 174delivers the event information to an event recognizer determined byactive event recognizer determination module 173. In some embodiments,event dispatcher module 174 stores in an event queue the eventinformation, which is retrieved by a respective event receiver module182.

In some embodiments, operating system 126 includes event sorter 170.Alternatively, application 136-1 includes event sorter 170. In yet otherembodiments, event sorter 170 is a stand-alone module, or a part ofanother module stored in memory 102, such as contact/motion module 130.

In some embodiments, application 136-1 includes a plurality of eventhandlers 190 and one or more application views 191, each of whichincludes instructions for handling touch events that occur within arespective view of the application's user interface. Each applicationview 191 of the application 136-1 includes one or more event recognizers180. Typically, a respective application view 191 includes a pluralityof event recognizers 180. In other embodiments, one or more of eventrecognizers 180 are part of a separate module, such as a user interfacekit (not shown) or a higher level object from which application 136-1inherits methods and other properties. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent handler 190 includes one or more of: data updater 176, objectupdater 177, GUI updater 178, and/or event data 179 received from eventsorter 170. Event handler 190 optionally utilizes or calls data updater176, object updater 177 or GUI updater 178 to update the applicationinternal state 192. Alternatively, one or more of the application views191 includes one or more respective event handlers 190. Also, in someembodiments, one or more of data updater 176, object updater 177, andGUI updater 178 are included in a respective application view 191.

A respective event recognizer 180 receives event information (e.g.,event data 179) from event sorter 170, and identifies an event from theevent information. Event recognizer 180 includes event receiver 182 andevent comparator 184. In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 alsoincludes at least a subset of: metadata 183, and event deliveryinstructions 188 (which optionally include sub-event deliveryinstructions).

Event receiver 182 receives event information from event sorter 170. Theevent information includes information about a sub-event, for example, atouch or a touch movement. Depending on the sub-event, the eventinformation also includes additional information, such as location ofthe sub-event. When the sub-event concerns motion of a touch, the eventinformation optionally also includes speed and direction of thesub-event. In some embodiments, events include rotation of the devicefrom one orientation to another (e.g., from a portrait orientation to alandscape orientation, or vice versa), and the event informationincludes corresponding information about the current orientation (alsocalled device attitude) of the device.

Event comparator 184 compares the event information to predefined eventor sub-event definitions and, based on the comparison, determines anevent or sub-event, or determines or updates the state of an event orsub-event. In some embodiments, event comparator 184 includes eventdefinitions 186. Event definitions 186 contain definitions of events(e.g., predefined sequences of sub-events), for example, event 1(187-1), event 2 (187-2), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events inan event 187 include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touchmovement, touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, thedefinition for event 1 (187-1) is a double tap on a displayed object.The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch begin) onthe displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first lift-off (touchend) for a predetermined phase, a second touch (touch begin) on thedisplayed object for a predetermined phase, and a second lift-off (touchend) for a predetermined phase. In another example, the definition forevent 2 (187-2) is a dragging on a displayed object. The dragging, forexample, comprises a touch (or contact) on the displayed object for apredetermined phase, a movement of the touch across touch-sensitivedisplay system 112, and lift-off of the touch (touch end). In someembodiments, the event also includes information for one or moreassociated event handlers 190.

In some embodiments, event definition 187 includes a definition of anevent for a respective user-interface object. In some embodiments, eventcomparator 184 performs a hit test to determine which user-interfaceobject is associated with a sub-event. For example, in an applicationview in which three user-interface objects are displayed ontouch-sensitive display system 112, when a touch is detected ontouch-sensitive display system 112, event comparator 184 performs a hittest to determine which of the three user-interface objects isassociated with the touch (sub-event). If each displayed object isassociated with a respective event handler 190, the event comparatoruses the result of the hit test to determine which event handler 190should be activated. For example, event comparator 184 selects an eventhandler associated with the sub-event and the object triggering the hittest.

In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event 187 alsoincludes delayed actions that delay delivery of the event informationuntil after it has been determined whether the sequence of sub-eventsdoes or does not correspond to the event recognizer's event type.

When a respective event recognizer 180 determines that the series ofsub-events do not match any of the events in event definitions 186, therespective event recognizer 180 enters an event impossible, eventfailed, or event ended state, after which it disregards subsequentsub-events of the touch-based gesture. In this situation, other eventrecognizers, if any, that remain active for the hit view continue totrack and process sub-events of an ongoing touch-based gesture.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 includes metadata183 with configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate howthe event delivery system should perform sub-event delivery to activelyinvolved event recognizers. In some embodiments, metadata 183 includesconfigurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate how eventrecognizers interact, or are enabled to interact, with one another. Insome embodiments, metadata 183 includes configurable properties, flags,and/or lists that indicate whether sub-events are delivered to varyinglevels in the view or programmatic hierarchy.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 activates eventhandler 190 associated with an event when one or more particularsub-events of an event are recognized. In some embodiments, respectiveevent recognizer 180 delivers event information associated with theevent to event handler 190. Activating an event handler 190 is distinctfrom sending (and deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit view.In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 throws a flag associated withthe recognized event, and event handler 190 associated with the flagcatches the flag and performs a predefined process.

In some embodiments, event delivery instructions 188 include sub-eventdelivery instructions that deliver event information about a sub-eventwithout activating an event handler. Instead, the sub-event deliveryinstructions deliver event information to event handlers associated withthe series of sub-events or to actively involved views. Event handlersassociated with the series of sub-events or with actively involved viewsreceive the event information and perform a predetermined process.

In some embodiments, data updater 176 creates and updates data used inapplication 136-1. For example, data updater 176 updates the telephonenumber used in contacts module 137, or stores a video file used in videoplayer module 152. In some embodiments, object updater 177 creates andupdates objects used in application 136-1. For example, object updater177 creates a new user-interface object or updates the position of auser-interface object. GUI updater 178 updates the GUI. For example, GUIupdater 178 prepares display information and sends it to graphics module132 for display on a touch-sensitive display.

In some embodiments, event handler(s) 190 includes or has access to dataupdater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178. In someembodiments, data updater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178are included in a single module of a respective application 136-1 orapplication view 191. In other embodiments, they are included in two ormore software modules.

It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion regarding eventhandling of user touches on touch-sensitive displays also applies toother forms of user inputs to operate multifunction devices 100 withinput-devices, not all of which are initiated on touch screens. Forexample, mouse movement and mouse button presses, optionally coordinatedwith single or multiple keyboard presses or holds; contact movementssuch as taps, drags, scrolls, etc., on touch-pads; pen stylus inputs;movement of the device; oral instructions; detected eye movements;biometric inputs; and/or any combination thereof are optionally utilizedas inputs corresponding to sub-events which define an event to berecognized.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating a tactile output module inaccordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, I/O subsystem 106(e.g., haptic feedback controller 161 (FIG. 1A) and/or other inputcontroller(s) 160 (FIG. 1A)) includes at least some of the examplecomponents shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, peripherals interface118 includes at least some of the example components shown in FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, the tactile output module includes haptic feedbackmodule 133. In some embodiments, haptic feedback module 133 aggregatesand combines tactile outputs for user interface feedback from softwareapplications on the electronic device (e.g., feedback that is responsiveto user inputs that correspond to displayed user interfaces and alertsand other notifications that indicate the performance of operations oroccurrence of events in user interfaces of the electronic device).Haptic feedback module 133 includes one or more of: waveform module 123(for providing waveforms used for generating tactile outputs), mixer 125(for mixing waveforms, such as waveforms in different channels),compressor 127 (for reducing or compressing a dynamic range of thewaveforms), low-pass filter 129 (for filtering out high frequency signalcomponents in the waveforms), and thermal controller 131 (for adjustingthe waveforms in accordance with thermal conditions). In someembodiments, haptic feedback module 133 is included in haptic feedbackcontroller 161 (FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, a separate unit of hapticfeedback module 133 (or a separate implementation of haptic feedbackmodule 133) is also included in an audio controller (e.g., audiocircuitry 110, FIG. 1A) and used for generating audio signals. In someembodiments, a single haptic feedback module 133 is used for generatingaudio signals and generating waveforms for tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, haptic feedback module 133 also includes triggermodule 121 (e.g., a software application, operating system, or othersoftware module that determines a tactile output is to be generated andinitiates the process for generating the corresponding tactile output).In some embodiments, trigger module 121 generates trigger signals forinitiating generation of waveforms (e.g., by waveform module 123). Forexample, trigger module 121 generates trigger signals based on presettiming criteria. In some embodiments, trigger module 121 receivestrigger signals from outside haptic feedback module 133 (e.g., in someembodiments, haptic feedback module 133 receives trigger signals fromhardware input processing module 146 located outside haptic feedbackmodule 133) and relays the trigger signals to other components withinhaptic feedback module 133 (e.g., waveform module 123) or softwareapplications that trigger operations (e.g., with trigger module 121)based on activation of a user interface element (e.g., an applicationicon or an affordance within an application) or a hardware input device(e.g., a home button). In some embodiments, trigger module 121 alsoreceives tactile feedback generation instructions (e.g., from hapticfeedback module 133, FIGS. 1A and 3). In some embodiments, triggermodule 121 generates trigger signals in response to haptic feedbackmodule 133 (or trigger module 121 in haptic feedback module 133)receiving tactile feedback instructions (e.g., from haptic feedbackmodule 133, FIGS. 1A and 3).

Waveform module 123 receives trigger signals (e.g., from trigger module121) as an input, and in response to receiving trigger signals, provideswaveforms for generation of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., waveformsselected from a predefined set of waveforms designated for use bywaveform module 123, such as the waveforms described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 4F-4G).

Mixer 125 receives waveforms (e.g., from waveform module 123) as aninput, and mixes together the waveforms. For example, when mixer 125receives two or more waveforms (e.g., a first waveform in a firstchannel and a second waveform that at least partially overlaps with thefirst waveform in a second channel) mixer 125 outputs a combinedwaveform that corresponds to a sum of the two or more waveforms. In someembodiments, mixer 125 also modifies one or more waveforms of the two ormore waveforms to emphasize particular waveform(s) over the rest of thetwo or more waveforms (e.g., by increasing a scale of the particularwaveform(s) and/or decreasing a scale of the rest of the waveforms). Insome circumstances, mixer 125 selects one or more waveforms to removefrom the combined waveform (e.g., the waveform from the oldest source isdropped when there are waveforms from more than three sources that havebeen requested to be output concurrently by tactile output generator167)

Compressor 127 receives waveforms (e.g., a combined waveform from mixer125) as an input, and modifies the waveforms. In some embodiments,compressor 127 reduces the waveforms (e.g., in accordance with physicalspecifications of tactile output generators 167 (FIG. 1A) or 357 (FIG.3)) so that tactile outputs corresponding to the waveforms are reduced.In some embodiments, compressor 127 limits the waveforms, such as byenforcing a predefined maximum amplitude for the waveforms. For example,compressor 127 reduces amplitudes of portions of waveforms that exceed apredefined amplitude threshold while maintaining amplitudes of portionsof waveforms that do not exceed the predefined amplitude threshold. Insome embodiments, compressor 127 reduces a dynamic range of thewaveforms. In some embodiments, compressor 127 dynamically reduces thedynamic range of the waveforms so that the combined waveforms remainwithin performance specifications of the tactile output generator 167(e.g., force and/or moveable mass displacement limits).

Low-pass filter 129 receives waveforms (e.g., compressed waveforms fromcompressor 127) as an input, and filters (e.g., smooths) the waveforms(e.g., removes or reduces high frequency signal components in thewaveforms). For example, in some instances, compressor 127 includes, incompressed waveforms, extraneous signals (e.g., high frequency signalcomponents) that interfere with the generation of tactile outputs and/orexceed performance specifications of tactile output generator 167 whenthe tactile outputs are generated in accordance with the compressedwaveforms. Low-pass filter 129 reduces or removes such extraneoussignals in the waveforms.

Thermal controller 131 receives waveforms (e.g., filtered waveforms fromlow-pass filter 129) as an input, and adjusts the waveforms inaccordance with thermal conditions of device 100 (e.g., based oninternal temperatures detected within device 100, such as thetemperature of haptic feedback controller 161, and/or externaltemperatures detected by device 100). For example, in some cases, theoutput of haptic feedback controller 161 varies depending on thetemperature (e.g. haptic feedback controller 161, in response toreceiving same waveforms, generates a first tactile output when hapticfeedback controller 161 is at a first temperature and generates a secondtactile output when haptic feedback controller 161 is at a secondtemperature that is distinct from the first temperature). For example,the magnitude (or the amplitude) of the tactile outputs may varydepending on the temperature. To reduce the effect of the temperaturevariations, the waveforms are modified (e.g., an amplitude of thewaveforms is increased or decreased based on the temperature).

In some embodiments, haptic feedback module 133 (e.g., trigger module121) is coupled to hardware input processing module 146. In someembodiments, other input controller(s) 160 in FIG. 1A includes hardwareinput processing module 146. In some embodiments, hardware inputprocessing module 146 receives inputs from hardware input device 145(e.g., other input or control devices 116 in FIG. 1A, such as a homebutton). In some embodiments, hardware input device 145 is any inputdevice described herein, such as touch-sensitive display system 112(FIG. 1A), keyboard/mouse 350 (FIG. 3), touchpad 355 (FIG. 3), one ofother input or control devices 116 (FIG. 1A), or an intensity-sensitivehome button (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B or a home button with amechanical actuator as illustrated in FIG. 2C). In some embodiments,hardware input device 145 consists of an intensity-sensitive home button(e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B or a home button with a mechanical actuatoras illustrated in FIG. 2C), and not touch-sensitive display system 112(FIG. 1A), keyboard/mouse 350 (FIG. 3), or touchpad 355 (FIG. 3). Insome embodiments, in response to inputs from hardware input device 145,hardware input processing module 146 provides one or more triggersignals to haptic feedback module 133 to indicate that a user inputsatisfying predefined input criteria, such as an input corresponding toa “click” of a home button (e.g., a “down click” or an “up click”), hasbeen detected. In some embodiments, haptic feedback module 133 provideswaveforms that correspond to the “click” of a home button in response tothe input corresponding to the “click” of a home button, simulating ahaptic feedback of pressing a physical home button.

In some embodiments, the tactile output module includes haptic feedbackcontroller 161 (e.g., haptic feedback controller 161 in FIG. 1A), whichcontrols the generation of tactile outputs. In some embodiments, hapticfeedback controller 161 is coupled to a plurality of tactile outputgenerators, and selects one or more tactile output generators of theplurality of tactile output generators and sends waveforms to theselected one or more tactile output generators for generating tactileoutputs. In some embodiments, haptic feedback controller 161 coordinatestactile output requests that correspond to activation of hardware inputdevice 145 and tactile output requests that correspond to softwareevents (e.g., tactile output requests from haptic feedback module 133)and modifies one or more waveforms of the two or more waveforms toemphasize particular waveform(s) over the rest of the two or morewaveforms (e.g., by increasing a scale of the particular waveform(s)and/or decreasing a scale of the rest of the waveforms, such as toprioritize tactile outputs that correspond to activations of hardwareinput device 145 over tactile outputs that correspond to softwareevents).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1C, an output of haptic feedbackcontroller 161 is coupled to audio circuitry of device 100 (e.g., audiocircuitry 110, FIG. 1A), and provides audio signals to audio circuitryof device 100. In some embodiments, haptic feedback controller 161provides both waveforms used for generating tactile outputs and audiosignals used for providing audio outputs in conjunction with generationof the tactile outputs. In some embodiments, haptic feedback controller161 modifies audio signals and/or waveforms (used for generating tactileoutputs) so that the audio outputs and the tactile outputs aresynchronized (e.g., by delaying the audio signals and/or waveforms). Insome embodiments, haptic feedback controller 161 includes adigital-to-analog converter used for converting digital waveforms intoanalog signals, which are received by amplifier 163 and/or tactileoutput generator 167.

In some embodiments, the tactile output module includes amplifier 163.In some embodiments, amplifier 163 receives waveforms (e.g., from hapticfeedback controller 161) and amplifies the waveforms prior to sendingthe amplified waveforms to tactile output generator 167 (e.g., any oftactile output generators 167 (FIG. 1A) or 357 (FIG. 3)). For example,amplifier 163 amplifies the received waveforms to signal levels that arein accordance with physical specifications of tactile output generator167 (e.g., to a voltage and/or a current required by tactile outputgenerator 167 for generating tactile outputs so that the signals sent totactile output generator 167 produce tactile outputs that correspond tothe waveforms received from haptic feedback controller 161) and sendsthe amplified waveforms to tactile output generator 167. In response,tactile output generator 167 generates tactile outputs (e.g., byshifting a moveable mass back and forth in one or more dimensionsrelative to a neutral position of the moveable mass).

In some embodiments, the tactile output module includes sensor 169,which is coupled to tactile output generator 167. Sensor 169 detectsstates or state changes (e.g., mechanical position, physicaldisplacement, and/or movement) of tactile output generator 167 or one ormore components of tactile output generator 167 (e.g., one or moremoving parts, such as a membrane, used to generate tactile outputs). Insome embodiments, sensor 169 is a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Halleffect sensor) or other displacement and/or movement sensor. In someembodiments, sensor 169 provides information (e.g., a position, adisplacement, and/or a movement of one or more parts in tactile outputgenerator 167) to haptic feedback controller 161 and, in accordance withthe information provided by sensor 169 about the state of tactile outputgenerator 167, haptic feedback controller 161 adjusts the waveformsoutput from haptic feedback controller 161 (e.g., waveforms sent totactile output generator 167, optionally via amplifier 163).

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device 100 having a touchscreen (e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112, FIG. 1A) in accordancewith some embodiments. The touch screen optionally displays one or moregraphics within user interface (UI) 200. In this embodiment, as well asothers described below, a user is enabled to select one or more of thegraphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one ormore fingers 202 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or morestyluses 203 (not drawn to scale in the figure). In some embodiments,selection of one or more graphics occurs when the user breaks contactwith the one or more graphics. In some embodiments, the gestureoptionally includes one or more taps, one or more swipes (from left toright, right to left, upward and/or downward) and/or a rolling of afinger (from right to left, left to right, upward and/or downward) thathas made contact with device 100. In some implementations orcircumstances, inadvertent contact with a graphic does not select thegraphic. For example, a swipe gesture that sweeps over an applicationicon optionally does not select the corresponding application when thegesture corresponding to selection is a tap.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more physical buttons, suchas “home” or menu button 204. As described previously, menu button 204is, optionally, used to navigate to any application 136 in a set ofapplications that are, optionally executed on device 100. Alternatively,in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in aGUI displayed on the touch-screen display.

In some embodiments, device 100 includes the touch-screen display, menubutton 204, push button 206 for powering the device on/off and lockingthe device, volume adjustment button(s) 208, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 210, head set jack 212, and docking/charging externalport 124. Push button 206 is, optionally, used to turn the power on/offon the device by depressing the button and holding the button in thedepressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device bydepressing the button and releasing the button before the predefinedtime interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate anunlock process. In some embodiments, device 100 also accepts verbalinput for activation or deactivation of some functions throughmicrophone 113. Device 100 also, optionally, includes one or morecontact intensity sensors 165 for detecting intensity of contacts ontouch-sensitive display system 112 and/or one or more tactile outputgenerators 167 for generating tactile outputs for a user of device 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments. Device 300 need not be portable. In some embodiments,device 300 is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer,a multimedia player device, a navigation device, an educational device(such as a child's learning toy), a gaming system, or a control device(e.g., a home or industrial controller). Device 300 typically includesone or more processing units (CPU's) 310, one or more network or othercommunications interfaces 360, memory 370, and one or more communicationbuses 320 for interconnecting these components. Communication buses 320optionally include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) thatinterconnects and controls communications between system components.Device 300 includes input/output (I/O) interface 330 comprising display340, which is typically a touch-screen display. I/O interface 330 alsooptionally includes a keyboard and/or mouse (or other pointing device)350 and touchpad 355, tactile output generator 357 for generatingtactile outputs on device 300 (e.g., similar to tactile outputgenerator(s) 167 described above with reference to FIG. 1A), sensors 359(e.g., optical, acceleration, proximity, touch-sensitive, and/or contactintensity sensors similar to contact intensity sensor(s) 165 describedabove with reference to FIG. 1A). Memory 370 includes high-speed randomaccess memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random access solidstate memory devices; and optionally includes non-volatile memory, suchas one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storagedevices. Memory 370 optionally includes one or more storage devicesremotely located from CPU(s) 310. In some embodiments, memory 370 storesprograms, modules, and data structures analogous to the programs,modules, and data structures stored in memory 102 of portablemultifunction device 100 (FIG. 1A), or a subset thereof. Furthermore,memory 370 optionally stores additional programs, modules, and datastructures not present in memory 102 of portable multifunction device100. For example, memory 370 of device 300 optionally stores drawingmodule 380, presentation module 382, word processing module 384, website creation module 386, disk authoring module 388, and/or spreadsheetmodule 390, while memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100 (FIG.1A) optionally does not store these modules.

Each of the above identified elements in FIG. 3 is, optionally, storedin one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices. Each of theabove identified modules corresponds to a set of instructions forperforming a function described above. The above identified modules orprograms (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented asseparate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus varioussubsets of these modules are, optionally, combined or otherwisere-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 370optionally stores a subset of the modules and data structures identifiedabove. Furthermore, memory 370 optionally stores additional modules anddata structures not described above.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”)that are, optionally, implemented on portable multifunction device 100.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface for a menu of applicationson portable multifunction device 100 in accordance with someembodiments. Similar user interfaces are, optionally, implemented ondevice 300. In some embodiments, user interface 400 includes thefollowing elements, or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   Signal strength indicator(s) 402 for wireless communication(s),        such as cellular and Wi-Fi signals;    -   Time 404;    -   Bluetooth indicator 405;    -   Battery status indicator 406;    -   Tray 408 with icons for frequently used applications, such as:        -   Icon 416 for telephone module 138, labeled “Phone,” which            optionally includes an indicator 414 of the number of missed            calls or voicemail messages;        -   Icon 418 for e-mail client module 140, labeled “Mail,” which            optionally includes an indicator 410 of the number of unread            e-mails;        -   Icon 420 for browser module 147, labeled “Browser;” and        -   Icon 422 for video and music player module 152, also            referred to as iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) module 152,            labeled “iPod;” and    -   Icons for other applications, such as:        -   Icon 424 for IM module 141, labeled “Messages;”        -   Icon 426 for calendar module 148, labeled “Calendar;”        -   Icon 428 for image management module 144, labeled “Photos;”        -   Icon 430 for camera module 143, labeled “Camera;”        -   Icon 432 for online video module 155, labeled “Online            Video;”        -   Icon 434 for stocks widget 149-2, labeled “Stocks;”        -   Icon 436 for map module 154, labeled “Map;”        -   Icon 438 for weather widget 149-1, labeled “Weather;”        -   Icon 440 for alarm clock widget 149-4, labeled “Clock;”        -   Icon 442 for workout support module 142, labeled “Workout            Support;”        -   Icon 444 for notes module 153, labeled “Notes;” and        -   Icon 446 for a settings application or module, which            provides access to settings for device 100 and its various            applications 136.

It should be noted that the icon labels illustrated in FIG. 4A aremerely examples. For example, in some embodiments, icon 422 for videoand music player module 152 is labeled “Music” or “Music Player.” Otherlabels are, optionally, used for various application icons. In someembodiments, a label for a respective application icon includes a nameof an application corresponding to the respective application icon. Insome embodiments, a label for a particular application icon is distinctfrom a name of an application corresponding to the particularapplication icon.

FIG. 4A also shows an input 403, such as a finger or stylus contact onhome button 204. A finger or stylus contact is sometimes herein called atouch input. In some embodiments, home button 204 is separate from thedisplay 112 and, optionally, includes a set of one or more intensitysensors that are separate from intensity sensors used to detect theintensity of inputs on the display. In some embodiments, home button 204is a virtual home button that is displayed on the display (e.g., with aset of one or more intensity sensors that are separate from intensitysensors used to detect the intensity of inputs on the display or,optionally, using intensity sensors integrated into the display todetermine an intensity of an input with the virtual home button).

In some embodiments, or in some circumstances, input 403 on home button204 causes tactile output 409 to be generated. For example, a respectivetactile output 409 may be generated in response to a single click,double click, long press, or other input or input gesture on home button204. Similarly, FIG. 4A also shows another input 407, such as a fingeror stylus contact on application icon 424. In some embodiments, or insome circumstances, input 407 on application icon 204 causes arespective tactile output 411 to be generated. For example, respectivetactile output 411 may be generated in response to a single click,double click, long press, or other input or input gesture on applicationicon 424. Furthermore, in some embodiments, tactile output 409 may havehigher priority than tactile output 411, for example because tactileoutput 409 corresponds to an input on a hardware element (e.g., homebutton 204), and tactile output 411 corresponds to an input on a userinterface element (e.g., an application icon) displayed on theelectronic device's display 112.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example user interface on a device (e.g., device300, FIG. 3) with a touch-sensitive surface 451 (e.g., a tablet ortouchpad 355, FIG. 3) that is separate from the display 450. Device 300also, optionally, includes one or more contact intensity sensors (e.g.,one or more of sensors 357) for detecting intensity of contacts ontouch-sensitive surface 451 and/or one or more tactile output generators359 for generating tactile outputs for a user of device 300.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example user interface on a device (e.g., device300, FIG. 3) with a touch-sensitive surface 451 (e.g., a tablet ortouchpad 355, FIG. 3) that is separate from the display 450. Althoughmany of the examples that follow will be given with reference to inputson touch screen display 112 (where the touch sensitive surface and thedisplay are combined), in some embodiments, the device detects inputs ona touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display, as shown inFIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., 451 inFIG. 4B) has a primary axis (e.g., 452 in FIG. 4B) that corresponds to aprimary axis (e.g., 453 in FIG. 4B) on the display (e.g., 450). Inaccordance with these embodiments, the device detects contacts (e.g.,460 and 462 in FIG. 4B) with the touch-sensitive surface 451 atlocations that correspond to respective locations on the display (e.g.,in FIG. 4B, 460 corresponds to 468 and 462 corresponds to 470). In thisway, user inputs (e.g., contacts 460 and 462, and movements thereof)detected by the device on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., 451 in FIG.4B) are used by the device to manipulate the user interface on thedisplay (e.g., 450 in FIG. 4B) of the multifunction device when thetouch-sensitive surface is separate from the display. It should beunderstood that similar methods are, optionally, used for other userinterfaces described herein.

Additionally, while the following examples are given primarily withreference to finger inputs (e.g., finger contacts, finger tap gestures,finger swipe gestures, etc.), it should be understood that, in someembodiments, one or more of the finger inputs are replaced with inputfrom another input device (e.g., a mouse based input or a stylus input).For example, a swipe gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click(e.g., instead of a contact) followed by movement of the cursor alongthe path of the swipe (e.g., instead of movement of the contact). Asanother example, a tap gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouseclick while the cursor is located over the location of the tap gesture(e.g., instead of detection of the contact followed by ceasing to detectthe contact). Similarly, when multiple user inputs are simultaneouslydetected, it should be understood that multiple computer mice are,optionally, used simultaneously, or a mouse and finger contacts are,optionally, used simultaneously.

As used herein, the term “focus selector” is an input element thatindicates a current part of a user interface with which a user isinteracting. In some implementations that include a cursor or otherlocation marker, the cursor acts as a “focus selector,” so that when aninput (e.g., a press input) is detected on a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touchpad 355 in FIG. 3 or touch-sensitive surface 451 in FIG. 4B)while the cursor is over a particular user interface element (e.g., abutton, window, slider or other user interface element), the particularuser interface element is adjusted in accordance with the detectedinput. In some implementations that include a touch-screen display(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112 in FIG. 1A or the touch screenin FIG. 4A) that enables direct interaction with user interface elementson the touch-screen display, a detected contact on the touch-screen actsas a “focus selector,” so that when an input (e.g., a press input by thecontact) is detected on the touch-screen display at a location of aparticular user interface element (e.g., a button, window, slider orother user interface element), the particular user interface element isadjusted in accordance with the detected input. In some implementations,focus is moved from one region of a user interface to another region ofthe user interface without corresponding movement of a cursor ormovement of a contact on a touch-screen display (e.g., by using a tabkey or arrow keys to move focus from one button to another button); inthese implementations, the focus selector moves in accordance withmovement of focus between different regions of the user interface.Without regard to the specific form taken by the focus selector, thefocus selector is generally the user interface element (or contact on atouch-screen display) that is controlled by the user so as tocommunicate the user's intended interaction with the user interface(e.g., by indicating, to the device, the element of the user interfacewith which the user is intending to interact). For example, the locationof a focus selector (e.g., a cursor, a contact, or a selection box) overa respective button while a press input is detected on thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchpad or touch screen) will indicatethat the user is intending to activate the respective button (as opposedto other user interface elements shown on a display of the device).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “intensity” of acontact on a touch-sensitive surface is the force or pressure (force perunit area) of a contact (e.g., a finger contact or a stylus contact) onthe touch-sensitive surface, or to a substitute (proxy) for the force orpressure of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface. The intensity of acontact has a range of values that includes at least four distinctvalues and more typically includes hundreds of distinct values (e.g., atleast 256). Intensity of a contact is, optionally, determined (ormeasured) using various approaches and various sensors or combinationsof sensors. For example, one or more force sensors underneath oradjacent to the touch-sensitive surface are, optionally, used to measureforce at various points on the touch-sensitive surface. In someimplementations, force measurements from multiple force sensors arecombined (e.g., a weighted average or a sum) to determine an estimatedforce of a contact. Similarly, a pressure-sensitive tip of a stylus is,optionally, used to determine a pressure of the stylus on thetouch-sensitive surface. Alternatively, the size of the contact areadetected on the touch-sensitive surface and/or changes thereto, thecapacitance of the touch-sensitive surface proximate to the contactand/or changes thereto, and/or the resistance of the touch-sensitivesurface proximate to the contact and/or changes thereto are, optionally,used as a substitute for the force or pressure of the contact on thetouch-sensitive surface. In some implementations, the substitutemeasurements for contact force or pressure are used directly todetermine whether an intensity threshold has been exceeded (e.g., theintensity threshold is described in units corresponding to thesubstitute measurements). In some implementations, the substitutemeasurements for contact force or pressure are converted to an estimatedforce or pressure and the estimated force or pressure is used todetermine whether an intensity threshold has been exceeded (e.g., theintensity threshold is a pressure threshold measured in units ofpressure). Using the intensity of a contact as an attribute of a userinput allows for user access to additional device functionality that mayotherwise not be readily accessible by the user on a reduced-size devicewith limited real estate for displaying affordances (e.g., on atouch-sensitive display) and/or receiving user input (e.g., via atouch-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive surface, or aphysical/mechanical control such as a knob or a button).

In some embodiments, contact/motion module 130 uses a set of one or moreintensity thresholds to determine whether an operation has beenperformed by a user (e.g., to determine whether a user has “clicked” onan icon). In some embodiments, at least a subset of the intensitythresholds are determined in accordance with software parameters (e.g.,the intensity thresholds are not determined by the activation thresholdsof particular physical actuators and can be adjusted without changingthe physical hardware of device 100). For example, a mouse “click”threshold of a trackpad or touch-screen display can be set to any of alarge range of predefined thresholds values without changing thetrackpad or touch-screen display hardware. Additionally, in someimplementations a user of the device is provided with software settingsfor adjusting one or more of the set of intensity thresholds (e.g., byadjusting individual intensity thresholds and/or by adjusting aplurality of intensity thresholds at once with a system-level click“intensity” parameter).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “characteristicintensity” of a contact is a characteristic of the contact based on oneor more intensities of the contact. In some embodiments, thecharacteristic intensity is based on multiple intensity samples. Thecharacteristic intensity is, optionally, based on a predefined number ofintensity samples, or a set of intensity samples collected during apredetermined time period (e.g., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10seconds) relative to a predefined event (e.g., after detecting thecontact, prior to detecting liftoff of the contact, before or afterdetecting a start of movement of the contact, prior to detecting an endof the contact, before or after detecting an increase in intensity ofthe contact, and/or before or after detecting a decrease in intensity ofthe contact). A characteristic intensity of a contact is, optionallybased on one or more of: a maximum value of the intensities of thecontact, a mean value of the intensities of the contact, an averagevalue of the intensities of the contact, a top 10 percentile value ofthe intensities of the contact, a value at the half maximum of theintensities of the contact, a value at the 90 percent maximum of theintensities of the contact, a value produced by low-pass filtering theintensity of the contact over a predefined period or starting at apredefined time, or the like. In some embodiments, the duration of thecontact is used in determining the characteristic intensity (e.g., whenthe characteristic intensity is an average of the intensity of thecontact over time). In some embodiments, the characteristic intensity iscompared to a set of one or more intensity thresholds to determinewhether an operation has been performed by a user. For example, the setof one or more intensity thresholds may include a first intensitythreshold and a second intensity threshold. In this example, a contactwith a characteristic intensity that does not exceed the first thresholdresults in a first operation, a contact with a characteristic intensitythat exceeds the first intensity threshold and does not exceed thesecond intensity threshold results in a second operation, and a contactwith a characteristic intensity that exceeds the second intensitythreshold results in a third operation. In some embodiments, acomparison between the characteristic intensity and one or moreintensity thresholds is used to determine whether or not to perform oneor more operations (e.g., whether to perform a respective option orforgo performing the respective operation) rather than being used todetermine whether to perform a first operation or a second operation.

In some embodiments, a portion of a gesture is identified for purposesof determining a characteristic intensity. For example, atouch-sensitive surface may receive a continuous swipe contacttransitioning from a start location and reaching an end location (e.g.,a drag gesture), at which point the intensity of the contact increases.In this example, the characteristic intensity of the contact at the endlocation may be based on only a portion of the continuous swipe contact,and not the entire swipe contact (e.g., only the portion of the swipecontact at the end location). In some embodiments, a smoothing algorithmmay be applied to the intensities of the swipe contact prior todetermining the characteristic intensity of the contact. For example,the smoothing algorithm optionally includes one or more of: anunweighted sliding-average smoothing algorithm, a triangular smoothingalgorithm, a median filter smoothing algorithm, and/or an exponentialsmoothing algorithm. In some circumstances, these smoothing algorithmseliminate narrow spikes or dips in the intensities of the swipe contactfor purposes of determining a characteristic intensity.

The user interface figures described herein optionally include variousintensity diagrams that show the current intensity of the contact on thetouch-sensitive surface relative to one or more intensity thresholds(e.g., a contact detection intensity threshold IT₀, a light pressintensity threshold IT_(L), a deep press intensity threshold IT_(D)(e.g., that is at least initially higher than I_(L)), and/or one or moreother intensity thresholds (e.g., an intensity threshold I_(H) that islower than I_(L))). This intensity diagram is typically not part of thedisplayed user interface, but is provided to aid in the interpretationof the figures. In some embodiments, the light press intensity thresholdcorresponds to an intensity at which the device will perform operationstypically associated with clicking a button of a physical mouse or atrackpad. In some embodiments, the deep press intensity thresholdcorresponds to an intensity at which the device will perform operationsthat are different from operations typically associated with clicking abutton of a physical mouse or a trackpad. In some embodiments, when acontact is detected with a characteristic intensity below the lightpress intensity threshold (e.g., and above a nominal contact-detectionintensity threshold IT₀ below which the contact is no longer detected),the device will move a focus selector in accordance with movement of thecontact on the touch-sensitive surface without performing an operationassociated with the light press intensity threshold or the deep pressintensity threshold. Generally, unless otherwise stated, these intensitythresholds are consistent between different sets of user interfacefigures.

In some embodiments, the response of the device to inputs detected bythe device depends on criteria based on the contact intensity during theinput. For example, for some “light press” inputs, the intensity of acontact exceeding a first intensity threshold during the input triggersa first response. In some embodiments, the response of the device toinputs detected by the device depends on criteria that include both thecontact intensity during the input and time-based criteria. For example,for some “deep press” inputs, the intensity of a contact exceeding asecond intensity threshold during the input, greater than the firstintensity threshold for a light press, triggers a second response onlyif a delay time has elapsed between meeting the first intensitythreshold and meeting the second intensity threshold. This delay time istypically less than 200 ms in duration (e.g., 40, 100, or 120 ms,depending on the magnitude of the second intensity threshold, with thedelay time increasing as the second intensity threshold increases). Thisdelay time helps to avoid accidental recognition of deep press inputs.As another example, for some “deep press” inputs, there is areduced-sensitivity time period that occurs after the time at which thefirst intensity threshold is met. During the reduced-sensitivity timeperiod, the second intensity threshold is increased. This temporaryincrease in the second intensity threshold also helps to avoidaccidental deep press inputs. For other deep press inputs, the responseto detection of a deep press input does not depend on time-basedcriteria.

In some embodiments, one or more of the input intensity thresholdsand/or the corresponding outputs vary based on one or more factors, suchas user settings, contact motion, input timing, application running,rate at which the intensity is applied, number of concurrent inputs,user history, environmental factors (e.g., ambient noise), focusselector position, and the like. Example factors are described in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 14/399,606 and 14/624,296, which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example user interface 472 on a device 100 (e.g.,device 300, FIG. 3). In this example, user interface 472 includes anotification 413 (e.g., an invitation to attend an event) produced inresponse to an electronic message received by device 100. Notification413 is asynchronous with respect to any action by the user of device100, as it is not triggered by a user input on a touch-sensitive surfaceor hardware element. In some embodiments, device 100 generates a tactileoutput 415 in response to, or in conjunction with, displayingnotification 413. Furthermore, in some embodiments, tactile output 415has a lower priority than tactile outputs generated in response to auser input on a hardware element, and lower priority than tactileoutputs generated in response to a user input on a graphical userinterface element displayed on a display of the electronic device.

User Interfaces and Associated Processes

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”)and associated processes that may be implemented on an electronicdevice, such as portable multifunction device 100 or device 300, with adisplay, a touch-sensitive surface, and one or more sensors to detectintensities of contacts with the touch-sensitive surface.

FIGS. 5A-5L illustrate examples of tactile outputs, combinations oftactile outputs, and corresponding audio outputs, in accordance withsome embodiments. It is noted that examples of tactile outputs arediscussed above with reference to Figured 4D-4E, and such examples areapplicable to the tactile outputs discussed herein with respect to FIGS.5A-5L and methods 600, 700 and 800. The tactile outputs and audiooutputs shown in FIGS. 5A-5L are used to illustrate the processesdescribed below, including the processes in FIGS. 6A-6F, 7A-7D, and8A-8D.

For convenience of explanation, some of the embodiments will bediscussed with reference to operations performed on a device with atouch-sensitive display system 112. In such embodiments, the focusselector is, optionally: a respective finger or stylus contact, arepresentative point corresponding to a finger or stylus contact (e.g.,a centroid of a respective contact or a point associated with arespective contact), or a centroid of two or more contacts detected onthe touch-sensitive display system 112. However, analogous operationsare, optionally, performed on a device with a display 450 and a separatetouch-sensitive surface 451 in response to detecting the contacts on thetouch-sensitive surface 451 while displaying the user interfaces shownin the figures on the display 450, along with a focus selector.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first tactile output 502 on a first tactilechannel (tactile channel 1) and a second tactile output 504 on a secondtactile channel, and a combined tactile output 510 (sometimes hereincalled “combined tactile outputs”) resulting from combining the firstand second tactile outputs. First tactile output 502 corresponds to afirst request to generate a tactile output, or a first input (e.g., aninput corresponding to a user interface element displayed on the displayof an electronic device), or first triggering condition (e.g., atriggering condition for a first set of one or more tactile outputs witha first priority), represented by indicator 501. Similarly, secondtactile output 504 corresponds to a second request to generate a tactileoutput, or second input (e.g., an input corresponding to the one or morehardware elements of an electronic device), or second triggeringcondition (e.g., a triggering condition for a second set of one or moretactile outputs with a second priority), represented by indicator 503.Optionally, additional tactile outputs (not shown in FIG. 5A, but seeFIG. 5C) in additional tactile channels are combined with the first andsecond tactile outputs 502, 504, to produce combined tactile output 510.

In some embodiments, or in some circumstances, combining two or moretactile outputs is accomplished by mixing the two or more tactileoutputs, optionally with additional processing performed to conditionone or more portions of one or more of the tactile outputs and/or tocondition one or more portions of the combined tactile output 510.However, in the example in FIG. 5A, no such additional processing hasbeen performed. For example, in the example in FIG. 5A, no additionalprocessing is needed because the number of tactile outputs to becombined does not exceed a predefined limit, and because the amplitudeof the combined tactile output does not exceed a predefined amplitudelimit.

Optionally, at the same time, or during an overlapping time, as thetactile outputs 502 and 504 are generated and combined, one or moreaudio output signals are generated and combined. In the example shown inFIG. 5A, a first audio output 512 corresponds to the first request,first input or first triggering condition represented by indicator 501,and a second audio output 514 corresponds to the second request, secondinput or second first triggering condition represented by indicator 503.In other words, the same requests, inputs or triggering conditions 501and 503 that corresponding to tactile outputs 502 and 504, respectively,also correspond to audio outputs 512 and 514, respectively. As shown,the first and second audio outputs 512 and 514 are combined to producecombined audio output 520 that is played (e.g., to produce an audiblesignal) during a time period that is the same as, or overlaps with, thetime period during which combined tactile output are output, forexample, using one or more tactile output generators.

In some embodiments, one or more of the tactile outputs 502, 504 arepart of synchronized tactile and audio outputs such as one or more of502/512, and 504/514, that include both an audio output and acorresponding tactile output that are synchronized to occur with aparticular temporal alignment.

To simply the description of FIGS. 5B-5L, the descriptions providedabove regarding the correspondence between request, inputs or triggeringconditions, such as those indicated by indicators 501 and 503, andtactile outputs, such as tactile outputs 502 and 504, and optionallyaudio outputs, such as audio outputs 512 and 514, will not be repeated.Similarly, the fact that a respective combined tactile output 510 isoutput using one or more tactile output generators, and that arespective combined audio output 520 is played to produce an audiblesignal, will not be repeated unless further comment or explanation isprovided.

FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5A, except that in the example shown in FIG.5B, in addition to the first and second tactile outputs 502, 504, athird tactile output 506 corresponds to a third request to generate atactile output, third input (e.g., an input corresponding to a userinterface element displayed on the display of an electronic device), orthird triggering condition (e.g., a triggering condition for a third setof one or more tactile outputs with a third priority), represented byindicator 505.

In this example, the number of tactile outputs exceeds the thresholdnumber of tactile outputs that are permitted to be mixed together forconcurrent output via the one or more tactile output generators. As aresult, a subset of the tactile outputs is combined or mixed together,excluding at least one of the tactile outputs, to produce combinedtactile output 510. Without limitation, examples of the threshold numberof tactile outputs that are permitted to be mixed together forconcurrent output via the one or more tactile output generators are two,three and four.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the number of audio outputs can exceed athreshold number of audio outputs that are permitted to be combinedtogether for concurrent output via one or more speakers. As a result, asubset of the audio outputs are combined, or mixed together, excludingat least one of the audio outputs, to produce the combined audio output520. Without limitation, examples of the threshold number of audiooutputs that are permitted to be mixed together for concurrent outputvia the one or more tactile output generators are two, three, four,five, six, seven and eight. In some embodiments, or in some situations,audio outputs are combined, without exclusion of any of the plurality ofaudio outputs that have been requested or triggered, while tactileoutputs are combined with exclusion of one or more of the plurality oftactile outputs that have been requested or triggered.

In some embodiments, one or more of the tactile outputs 502, 504, 506are part of synchronized tactile and audio outputs such as one or moreof 502/512, 504/514, and 506/516, that include both an audio output anda corresponding tactile output that are synchronized to occur with aparticular temporal alignment.

FIG. 5C is similar to FIG. 5B, except that in the example shown in FIG.5C, third tactile output 506A and corresponding third request, thirdinput or third triggering condition indicated by indicator 505A occurslater than the corresponding items in FIG. 5B, so that third tactileoutput 506A only partially overlaps with first tactile output 502. Inthis example, third tactile output 506 does not overlap with a firstportion 521 of first tactile output 502. Further, in this example, firstportion 521 of first tactile output 502 is output, as part of a firstportion 531 of combined tactile output 510A.

In this example, third tactile output 506 overlaps with a second, laterportion 522 of first tactile output 502. If the combination of thirdtactile output 506 with the first and second tactile outputs 502, 504,does not exceed the threshold number of tactile outputs that ispermitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the one or moretactile output generators, third tactile output 506 is mixed with thefirst and second tactile outputs 502, 504 to generate the second portion532 of combined tactile output 510A, without excluding the secondportion of first tactile output 502. On the other hand, if thecombination of third tactile output 506 with the first and secondtactile outputs 502, 504, exceeds the threshold number of tactileoutputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output viathe one or more tactile output generators, third tactile output 506 ismixed with the first and second tactile outputs 502, 504, but the secondportion of first tactile output 502 is excluded while generating thesecond portion 532 of the combined tactile output 510A.

In this example, third audio output 516A partially overlaps with firstand second audio outputs 512 and 514. As noted above, in someembodiments, as in this example, first audio output 512 is synchronizedwith first tactile output 502 and is triggered by a same condition thattriggered first tactile output 502. Furthermore, in some embodiments, acombined audio output 520A is generated by combining the first, secondand third audio outputs 512, 514 and 516, without regard to whether ornot the second portion 522 of first tactile output 502 is excluded fromthe combined tactile output 510.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example in which first and second tactile outputs502 and 504 and corresponding first and second audio outputs 512 and 514are the same as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, but in this example, theadditional (third) tactile output 506B does not overlap with first andsecond tactile outputs 502 and 504, and the additional (third) audiooutput 516B does not overlap with first and second audio outputs 512 and514. Additional/third tactile output 506B and third audio output 516Bcorrespond to additional/third request or input or triggering conditionindicated by indicator 505B.

In the example shown in FIG. 5D, since additional/third tactile output506B does not overlap with first and second tactile outputs 502 and 504,the number of overlapping or concurrent tactile outputs does not exceedthe threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5D, the combined tactileoutput 510B is produced by mixing the additional/third tactile outputwith the plurality (e.g., first and second) of earlier tactile outputs502, 504, without excluding or reducing the scale of any of the tactileoutputs being mixed.

FIG. 5E illustrates a first tactile output 502 on a first tactilechannel (tactile channel 1) and a second tactile output 504 on a secondtactile channel, which are mixed to produce a combined tactile output510C. In FIG. 5E, combined tactile output 510C is represented by adashed line, while a modified version 510C-RS, the generation of whichis described in more detail below, is represented by a solid line.Combined tactile output 510C includes a first portion P1 and a secondportion P2. In this example, look ahead amplitude limiting is applied tocombined tactile output 510C to ensure that the resulting combinedtactile output 510C-RS (sometimes herein called combined tactileoutputs) meets output limiting criteria for the one or more tactileoutput generators. More specifically, in accordance with a determinationthat the second portion P2 of the combined tactile output 510C (e.g., anamplitude of the second portion of the combined tactile output 510C)meets output limiting criteria for the one or more tactile outputgenerators (e.g., by exceeding output limits for the one or more tactileoutput generators), a scale of the combined tactile output 510C isreduced during at least the first portion P1 of the combined tactileoutput 510C immediately preceding the second portion P2 of the combinedtactile output 510C.

It is noted that the output limiting criteria for the one or moretactile output generators may correspond to physical limitations of theone or more tactile output generators. In some embodiments, ensuringcompliance with the output limiting criteria for the one or more tactileoutput generators prevents damage to the one or more tactile outputgenerators when the outputting of tactile output signals. Optionally,such damage includes accelerated wearing of the one or more tactileoutput generators, which would reduce the functional lifetime of the oneor more tactile output generators.

In some embodiments, after reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutput during the first portion P1, the device continues to output, viathe one or more tactile output generators, the combined tactile output510C-RS with the reduced scale during the second portion P2. As aresult, the amplitude of reduced second portion satisfies a predefinedlimit.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, as indicated in FIG. 5E, the reducedscale of combined tactile output 510C may vary. For example, in thefirst portion P1 of combined tactile output 510, the scale of combinedtactile output 510C-RS may be smoothly reduced from an initial scale(e.g., 1.0) to a respective reduced scale (e.g., 0.6) such that therespective reduced scale is sufficient to ensure that the second portionof combined tactile output 510C-RS meets the output limiting criteriafor the one or more tactile output generators. Then, in the secondportion P2 of combined tactile output 510C-RS, the scale of combinedtactile output 510C-RS is maintained at the respective reduced scaleattained at the end of the first portion P1.

The resulting combined tactile output is a modified combined tactileoutput 510C-RS. It is noted that, at any instant in time while the scaleof combined tactile output 510C-RS is being reduced, the amplitude ofcombined tactile output 510C-RS may be increasing or decreasing. Thismay be represented mathematically as:output_(RS)(t)=scale(t)*output(t)where output_(RS)(t) is the resulting combined tactile output 510C-RS,and both the reduced scale, scale(t), and the combined tactile output510C, output(t), can dynamically change over time. A tactile outputsequence based on the modified combined tactile output 510-RS, includingthe first portion of the combined tactile output 510C-RS with reducedscale is output via the one or more tactile generators.

In the example shown in FIG. 5E, the processing of audio outputs 512 and514, to produced combined audio output 520, is the same as in theexample shown in FIG. 5A. In other words, while portions of combinedtactile output 510C are reduced in scale to meet output limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators, audio outputs512, 514 are combined without reduction in this example. From anotherviewpoint, or alternatively, while portions of combined tactile output510C are reduced in scale to meet output limiting criteria for the oneor more tactile output generators, audio outputs 512, 514 are combinedindependently of how tactile outputs 502, 504 are combined.

FIG. 5F illustrates an example in which at least a portion of a combinedtactile output 510D, produced by mixing a plurality of tactile outputssuch as tactile outputs 502 and 504, is low pass filtered so as toremove or reduce frequency components, if any, of the combined tactileoutput that are above a predefined cutoff frequency. Combined tactileoutput 510D is shown with a solid line in FIG. 5F, while the low passfiltered combined tactile output 510D-LP is shown with a dashed line.

In some embodiments, the entire combined tactile output 510D is low passfiltered, to ensure that the combined tactile output sent to the one ormore tactile output generators does not include frequency componentsabove the predefined cutoff frequency. In some other embodiments,portions of combined tactile output 510D produced by mixing two or moretactile outputs are low pass filtered, while at least some otherportions, corresponding to tactile outputs or portions of tactileoutputs not combined with other tactile outputs, are not low passfiltered.

In some embodiments, the low pass filter that is applied to combinedtactile output 510D has a cutoff frequency that is set based on physicalconstraints on hardware of the device (e.g., for a device with a smallertactile output generator that is capable of achieving higherfrequencies, the low pass filter optionally has a higher cutofffrequency, while for a device with a larger tactile output generatorthat is not capable of achieving higher frequencies, the low pass filteroptionally has a lower cutoff frequency). By setting the cutofffrequency of the low pass filter based on the capabilities of thedevice, applications, operating system modules, or UI elements or otherelements of such applications and modules, can request the generation oftactile outputs without regard to the physical constraints of thehardware of the device, and the low pass filter will ensure that thetactile output generator of the device does not receive instructions togenerate tactile outputs that it is not capable of generating, or is notcapable of generating reliably or effectively.

FIG. 5G illustrates an example in which a first tactile output 502 and asecond tactile output 504E are mixed to produce a combined tactileoutput 510E, shown with a dashed line in FIG. 5G. A modified version ofthe combined tactile output 510E-RS, the generation of which isdescribed in more detail below, is represented by a solid line. Combinedtactile output 510E includes first through fifth successive portions P1,P2, P3, P4 and P5, as shown in FIG. 5G. In this example, look aheadamplitude limiting is applied to combined tactile outputs 510E to ensurethat the resulting combined tactile outputs 510E-RS meets outputlimiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generators. Morespecifically, in accordance with a determination that the third portionP3 of the combined tactile output 510E (e.g., an amplitude of theportion P3 of the combined tactile output 510E) meets output limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators (e.g., byexceeding output limits for the one or more tactile output generators),a scale of the combined tactile output 510E is reduced during at leastthe second portion P2 of the combined tactile output 510E immediatelypreceding the third portion P3 of the combined tactile output 510E.

In some embodiments, after reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutput during the second portion P2, the device continues to output, viathe one or more tactile output generators, the combined tactile outputwith the reduced scale during the third portion P3. As a result, theamplitude of the third portion P3 satisfies a predefined limit. Inaddition, after reducing the scale of the second portion P2 and thirdportion P3, the electronic device gradually increases the scale of thecombined tactile output 510E-RS during at least a fourth portion P4 ofthe combined tactile output that follows the third portion P3, as shownin FIG. 5G.

In this example, the first and fifth portions P1 and P5 of combinedtactile output 510E are not reduced in scale. Further, in somediscussions of this example, portions P1 and P5 can be ignored, and as aresult, portions P2, P3 and P4 are sometimes called the first, secondand third portions of the combined tactile output, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 5G, the processing of audio outputs 512 and514E, to produce combined audio output 520E, is the same as in theexample shown in FIG. 5A. In other words, while portions of combinedtactile output 510E are reduced in scale to meet output limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators, audio outputs512, 514E are combined without reduction. Alternatively, while portionsof combined tactile output 510G are reduced in scale to meet outputlimiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generators, audiooutputs 512, 514E are combined independently of how tactile outputs 502,504E are combined.

FIG. 5H illustrates an example in which a first tactile output 502 and asecond tactile output 504F, which does not overlap with first tactileoutput 502, are mixed to produce a combined tactile output 510F.Similarly, first and second audio outputs 512 and 514F, which do notoverlap, are combined to produce a combined audio output 520F. FIGS. 5Jand 5L, discussed in more detail below, show examples in whichoverlapping tactile outputs are mixed to produce combined tactileoutputs 510H and 510K.

FIG. 5I illustrates an example in which a first tactile output 502 and asecond tactile output 504G, which overlaps with first tactile output502, are mixed to produce a combined tactile output 510G, also hereincalled a modified tactile output sequence, in which one of the tactileoutputs 502 or 504G (e.g., tactile output 504G) is emphasized relativeto the other one of the tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502). Inaddition, in this example, first and second audio outputs 512 and 514F,which overlap, are combined to produce a combined audio output 520G.

In this example, first tactile output 502 is produced in response todetecting a first triggering condition, indicated by indicator 501, andfirst tactile output has a first priority. Similarly, second tactileoutput 504G is produced in response to detecting a second triggeringcondition, indicated by indicator 503G, and second tactile output 504Ghas a second priority.

In accordance with a determination that the second priority is higherthan the first priority, a scale of at least a portion (e.g., portionP3, or P2-P4) of first tactile output 502 that overlaps with secondtactile output 504G is reduced (e.g., relative to a scale of another oneof the tactile outputs, such as the tactile output 504G with the secondpriority). Optionally, the scale of adjacent portions, such as portionsP1-P2 and P4-P5, of the first tactile output are also reduced, forexample by smoothly reducing the scale in a first such portion P1 froman initial scale (e.g., the scale used prior to portion P1) to thereduced scale used in portions P2-P4, and then smoothly increasing thescale in a last such portion P5, from the reduced scale back to theinitial scale. In the example shown in FIG. 5I, the reduced scale usedin portions P2-P4 is zero, meaning that the first tactile output 502 isreplaced with tactile silence for purposes of combining tactile outputs502 and 504G in portions P2-P4, but in other examples the reduced scalemay be higher than zero, but less than the initial scale. The combinedtactile output 510G is generated by combining at least the first tactileoutput 502, including any portion thereof with reduced scale, and thesecond tactile output 504G, including any portion thereof with reducedscale (although, in this example, second tactile output 504G does nothave any portion with reduced scale).

FIG. 5J illustrates an example in which a first tactile output 502 and asecond tactile output 504G, which overlaps with first tactile output502, are mixed to produce a combined tactile output 510H, also hereincalled a modified tactile output sequence, in which one of the tactileoutputs 502 or 504G (e.g., tactile output 502) is emphasized relative tothe other one of the tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 504G). Firstand second audio outputs 512 and 514F, which overlap, are combined toproduce a combined audio output 520H. In this FIG. 5J, an unscaledcombination 510H-C of first and second tactile outputs 502 and 504G isshown with a dashed line, while the scaled combination 510H is shownwith a solid line.

In this example, first tactile output 502 is produced in response todetecting a first triggering condition, indicated by indicator 501, andfirst tactile output has a first priority. Similarly, second tactileoutput 504G is produced in response to detecting a second triggeringcondition, indicated by indicator 503G, and second tactile output 504Ghas a second priority.

In accordance with a determination that the first priority is higherthan the second priority, a scale of at least a portion (e.g., portionP3, or P2-P4) of second tactile output 504G that overlaps with firsttactile output 502 is reduced (e.g., relative to a scale of another oneof the tactile outputs, such as the tactile output 502 with the firstpriority). Optionally, the scale of adjacent portions, if any, such asportions P1 and P5 (if such portions existed), of the second tactileoutput are also reduced, for example by smoothly reducing the scale in afirst such portion P1 (if any) from an initial scale (e.g., the scaleused prior to portion P1) to the reduced scale used in portions P2-P4,and then smoothly increasing the scale in a last such portion P5 (ifany), from the reduced scale back to the initial scale. The combinedtactile output 510H is generated by combining at least the first tactileoutput 502, including any portion thereof with reduced scale (although,in this example, first tactile output 502 does not have any portion withreduced scale), and the second tactile output 504G, including anyportion thereof with reduced scale.

FIG. 5K illustrates an example, relevant to the example shown in eitherFIG. 5I or 5J, in which the duration of a second portion P2 of thecombined tactile output 510G (FIG. 5I) or 510H (FIG. 5J), is selectedbased on a magnitude (e.g., amplitude) of the first portion P1 of thecombined tactile output, sometimes herein called the modified tactileoutput sequence. Making the duration of the second portion P2adjustable, based on the magnitude of the immediately prior portion ofthe modified tactile output sequence, helps ensure that the user is ableto detect the following portion (P3) of the modified tactile outputsequence as a distinct tactile output or distinct event. In the top halfof FIG. 5K, first tactile output 502J(Low), which is combined withsecond tactile output 504G to produce combined tactile output 510J(Low),has a low magnitude, while in the lower half of FIG. 5K, first tactileoutput 502J(High), which is combined with second tactile output 504G toproduce combined tactile output 510J(High), has a high magnitude.

As shown in the examples in FIG. 5K, if the first portion P1 thecombined tactile output 510J(Low) or 510J(High) has a low magnitude (seetop half of FIG. 5K), the duration of the second portion P2 of thecombined tactile output 510J(Low), also herein called the modifiedtactile output sequence, is relatively short (e.g., the duration is setto a predefined minimum duration, such as 5 milliseconds (5 ms)). On theother hand, if the first portion P1 has a high magnitude, as shown in abottom half of FIG. 5K, the duration of the second portion P2 of thecombined tactile output 510J(High) is relatively long (e.g., 7 to 8 ms,which is longer than the predefined minimum duration).

In some embodiments, the first portion of a tactile output has a lowmagnitude if the magnitude of the tactile output is less than a firstthreshold, and the first portion of a tactile output has a highmagnitude if the magnitude of the tactile output is greater than thefirst threshold. In some embodiments, other predefined criteria are usedto categorize the magnitude of the first portion of the tactile output.In some embodiments, a mapping function or scaling function (e.g., acontinuous, linear function, or a stepwise monotonic function) is usedto map the magnitude of the first portion of the tactile output to aduration, or scaling factor for the duration, of second portion of thetactile output.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequencehas a first portion (e.g., portion P1 of combined tactile outputs510J(High), FIG. 5K) during which the first set of tactile outputs(e.g., tactile output 502) is output using an output level that isgradually decreased from a first output level to a second output level,and a fourth portion (e.g., portion P4 of combined tactile outputs510J(High), FIG. 5K) during which the first set of tactile outputs(e.g., tactile output 502) is output using an output level that isgradually increased from a third output level (e.g., the same as thesecond output level) to a fourth output level (e.g., the same as thefirst output level), wherein the fourth portion (e.g., P4, FIG. 5K) issubsequent to the third portion (e.g., P3, FIG. 5K). In some embodiments(see combined tactile output 510J(Low) in top half of FIG. 5K), thethird portion is followed immediately by a fourth portion of tactilesilence, which in turn is followed immediately by a fifth portion duringwhich the first set of tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502) isoutput using an output level that is gradually increased from a thirdoutput level (e.g., the same as the second output level) to a fourthoutput level (e.g., the same as the first output level).

FIG. 5L illustrates an example in which a third triggering condition,indicated by indicator 505K, for a third tactile output 506K, isdetected. The third tactile output 506K has a third priority that ishigher than the second priority (of second tactile output 504) and thefirst priority (of first tactile output 502). For example, the thirdtrigger condition and third tactile output correspond to one or morehardware elements, such as home button 204 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C) orother physical button or simulated physical button.

In response to detecting the third triggering condition 505K, and inaccordance with a determination that the third tactile output 506K isscheduled to at least partially overlap with the first tactile output502 and the second tactile output 504, the electronic device reduces ascale of at least a portion of the first tactile output 502 thatoverlaps with the third tactile output 506K, and also reduces a scale ofat least a portion of the second tactile output 504 that overlaps withthe third tactile output 506K. In the example shown in FIG. 5L, thethree tactile outputs 502, 504 and 506K overlap during a time periodcorresponding to portion P3 of combined tactile output 510K, and thescale of the first and second tactile outputs is reduced to zero duringthat time period. As a result, the combined tactile output 510K includesonly the third tactile output 506K during portion P3. In this example,during portions P1 and P5 of combined tactile output 510K, the first andsecond tactile outputs 502 and 504 are mixed, at full scale (withoutreduced scale), resulting in a combined tactile output with relativelyhigh magnitude during portions P1 and P5.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5L, during portions P2 and P4of the combined tactile output 506K immediately before and after portionP3 of combined tactile output 506K, the magnitude of combined tactileoutput 506K is set to zero or the scale of combined tactile output 506Kis substantially reduced (e.g., by more than 50%), thereby makingportion P3 of combined tactile output 506K more easily observed as aseparate tactile output by a user of the electronic device.

In the example shown in FIG. 5L, first, second and third audio signals512, 514 and 516K are synchronized with the first, second and thirdtactile outputs 502, 504 and 506K, respectively. In this example, audiosignals 512, 514 and 516K are combined, without scaling, to producecombined audio output 520K. As shown, a middle portion of combined audiooutput 520K, corresponding to the portion in which all three audiosignals 512, 514 and 516K overlap, has a larger magnitude than theportions immediately preceding and following the middle portion, asthose portions have fewer overlapping audio signals (two overlappingaudio signals, instead of three). However, it is noted that due todestructive interference and varying tactile output amplitude, theoverlap of a larger number of waveforms doesn't necessarily result in alarger amplitude for the combined tactile outputs.

FIGS. 6A-6F are flow diagrams illustrating a method 600 of combiningtactile outputs corresponding to triggering conditions or inputs frommultiple sources, and applying limits to the number of tactile outputscombined, or to the magnitude and/or frequency components of thecombined tactile outputs, in accordance with some embodiments.Corresponding examples of tactile outputs, combined tactile outputs, andaudio outputs are shown in FIGS. 5A-5J. The method 600 is performed atan electronic device (e.g., device 300, FIG. 3, or portablemultifunction device 100, FIG. 1A) with a display, a touch-sensitivesurface, and a set of one or more tactile output generators. In someembodiments, the display is a touch-screen display and thetouch-sensitive surface is on or integrated with the display. In someembodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitive surface.Some operations in method 600 are, optionally, combined and/or the orderof some operations is, optionally, changed.

As described below, method 600 provides improved tactile feedback, andin some cases synchronized tactile and audio feedback, by applyinglimits to the number tactile outputs that are combined, and/or to themagnitude and/or frequency components of combined tactile outputs,produced by mixing or otherwise combining a plurality of tactile outputsand output using one or more tactile output generators, in accordancewith limiting criteria of the one or more tactile output generators.Method 600 enables multiple applications to provide tactile outputs,without the applications having to take into account limits on thenumber of tactile outputs that can be combined, or limits on theamplitude or magnitude or frequency components of the combined tactileoutputs, while ensuring that higher priority tactile outputs are output,or emphasized relative to lower priority tactile outputs. The methodreduces the number, extent, and/or nature of the inputs from a user wheninteracting with the device or applications running on the device,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. From theperspective of the user of the device, method 600 enables the user toreceive multiple tactile outputs, with prioritization to ensure thathigher priority tactile outputs are not excluded, or are emphasizedrelative to lower priority tactile outputs, and enables the user to makeinputs with more confidence, faster and more efficiently, therebyresulting in fewer incorrect inputs by the user, which enhances theoperability of the device. For battery-operated electronic devices, thisconserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

It is noted that tactile feedback also provides valuable information tothe user for touch screen user interfaces where the user's finger isobscuring corresponding visual feedback.

The device receives (602) a plurality of requests to generate aplurality of tactile outputs using the device's one or more tactileoutput generators. The plurality of tactile outputs includes two or moreoverlapping tactile outputs. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,first and second requests, corresponding to indicators 501 and 503,respectively, are received from first and second applications, or froman application and from the device's operating system. A first tactileoutput 502, corresponding to the first request and a second tactileoutput 504, corresponding to the second request, at least partiallyoverlap.

Method 600 includes, in response to receiving the plurality of requests,generating and outputting (604), via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, combined tactile outputs, for example combined tactileoutputs 510 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Other examples of combined tactileoutputs are shown in FIGS. 5C-5L. How the combined tactile outputs aregenerated depends, at least in part, on whether the plurality of tactileoutputs exceeds a threshold number of tactile outputs that is permittedto be mixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactileoutput generators, and thus the device determines (606) whether theplurality of tactile outputs exceeds a threshold number of tactileoutputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output viathe one or more tactile output generators.

In accordance with a determination that the plurality of tactile outputsdoes not exceed a threshold number of tactile outputs that is permittedto be mixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactileoutput generators (606—No), the generating and outputting (604) includesmixing (606) the plurality of tactile outputs together into a firstcombined tactile output, including the first combined tactile output inthe combined tactile outputs (e.g., combined tactile outputs 510, FIG.5A), and outputting (608), via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the first combinedtactile output. For example, FIG. 5A shows a plurality of tactileoutputs (e.g., two tactile outputs 502, 504) that does not exceed athreshold number (e.g., two) of tactile outputs that is permitted to bemixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators. In this example, the plurality of tactile outputs is mixedtogether into a first combined tactile output that is included incombined tactile outputs 510.

In accordance with a determination that the plurality of tactile outputsexceeds the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to bemixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators (606—Yes), the generating and outputting includes mixing(612) a subset of the plurality of tactile outputs together into asecond combined tactile output that excludes at least one of theplurality of tactile outputs, including the second combined tactileoutput in the combined tactile outputs, and outputting (614), via theone or more tactile output generators, the combined tactile outputs,including the second combined tactile output. By mixing tactile outputsin this way, and preventing an excess number of overlapping tactileoutputs from being mixed into combined tactile outputs, improved tactilefeedback is provided to the user, enhancing the operability of thedevice. An example of mixing tactile outputs in the manner justdescribed is provided in FIG. 5B, which shows a plurality of tactileoutputs (e.g., three tactile outputs 502, 504, 506) exceeds a thresholdnumber (e.g., two) of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators. In this example, when the plurality of tactile outputs aremixed together into a second combined tactile output that is included incombined tactile outputs 510, the third tactile output 506 is excludedand thus not included in combined tactile outputs 510.

In some embodiments, one or more of the tactile outputs of the pluralityof tactile outputs are part of synchronized tactile and audio outputsthat include both an audio output and a corresponding tactile outputthat are synchronized to occur with a particular temporal alignment(620). For example, in FIG. 5A, audio output 512 is synchronized withtactile output 502, and audio output 514 is synchronized with tactileoutput 504. Providing synchronized tactile and audio outputs, whilepreventing an excess

In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputs includes (622) atactile output (e.g., tactile output 502, FIG. 5A) generated in responseto a user input directed toward a control element in a displayed userinterface (e.g., user input 407 on application icon 424, FIG. 4A). Insome embodiments, different control elements are assigned to differenttactile output channels (e.g., see tactile channels 1, 2 and 3 in FIGS.5A and 5B), such that a first control element requests the generation oftactile outputs via a first tactile output channel that is assigned tothe first control element (e.g., a user input on the first controlelement causes a corresponding application or operating system module togenerate a first request for a first tactile output) and a secondcontrol element requests the generation of tactile outputs via a secondtactile output channel that is assigned to the second control elementand is different from the first tactile output channel (e.g., a userinput on the second control element causes another application oroperating system module to generate a second request for a secondtactile output using a different tactile output channel than the tactileoutput channel used for the first request).

In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputs includes (624) atactile output generated in response to a user input directed toward ahardware control. Examples of hardware controls include a touch orintensity-sensitive control, a mechanical input device such as amechanical switch or dial, and a solid state home button. Furtherdiscussion regarding producing tactile outputs in response to input on,or directed toward, a hardware control is provided herein with referenceto method 700 and FIGS. 7A-7D.

In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputs includes (626) atactile output generated in response to the occurrence of a predefinedcondition (e.g., an incoming phone call, incoming text message, ascheduled alarm, or other alert received from a source external to thedevice or from a source, such as application or operating system module,internal to the device).

In some embodiments, receiving the plurality of requests includes (628):receiving a first set of one or more inputs corresponding to userinterface elements displayed on the display and receiving a second setof one or more inputs corresponding to one or more hardware elements.The first set of one or more inputs corresponds to a first set of one ormore tactile outputs and the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to the second set of one or more tactile outputs.Furthermore, the plurality of tactile outputs includes the first set ofone or more tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs. For example, in FIG. 5A, one of the inputs, represented byindicator 501, optionally corresponds to user interface elementsdisplayed on the display, and another of the inputs, represented byindicator 503, corresponds to one or more hardware elements. Producingtactile outputs in response to input on, or directed toward, a hardwarecontrol is further discussed herein with reference to method 700 andFIGS. 7A-7D.

In some embodiments, receiving the plurality of requests includes (630)detecting a triggering condition for a first set of one or more tactileoutputs with a first priority and detecting a triggering condition for asecond set of one or more tactile outputs with a second priority. Forexample, the triggering condition for the first set of one or moretactile outputs with a first priority may be a touch input, on a userinterface element (e.g., application icon 424, FIG. 4A) displayed ontouch-sensitive display, which satisfies a first intensity threshold,and the triggering condition for a second set of one or more tactileoutputs with a second priority may be a touch input, on a hardwareelement (e.g., home button 204, FIG. 4A), which satisfies a secondintensity threshold, distinct from the first intensity threshold.

Furthermore, in some such embodiments, generating combined tactileoutputs includes (632), in response to detecting the triggeringcondition for the first set of one or more tactile outputs and thetriggering condition for the second set of one or more tactile outputsand in accordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs: in accordance with adetermination that the first priority is higher than the second priority(e.g., as in the example shown in FIG. 5J, discussed above), reducing ascale of at least a portion of the second set of one or more tactileoutputs that overlaps with the first set of one or more tactile outputs(e.g., relative to a scale of the first set of one or more tactileoutputs); and in accordance with a determination that the secondpriority is higher than the first priority (e.g., as in the exampleshown in FIG. 5I, discussed above), reducing a scale of at least aportion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., relative to ascale of the second set of one or more tactile outputs). In this way, byreducing the scale of at least a portion of the one or more tactileoutputs with lower priority while mixing the tactile outputs to generatecombined tactile outputs, method 600 provides improved tactile feedbackto the user of the electronic device, which enhances the operability ofthe device. In such embodiments, method 600 includes generating thecombined tactile outputs by combining at least the first set of one ormore tactile outputs, including any portion thereof with reduced scale,and the second set of one or more tactile outputs, including any portionthereof with reduced scale. FIGS. 5I and 5J, as discussed above, showexamples of combining tactile outputs with different priorities.Combining tactile outputs with different priorities is further discussedherein with reference to method 800 and FIG. 8A-8D.

In some embodiments, mixing the plurality of tactile outputs into acombined tactile output includes (634): in accordance with adetermination that the first set of tactile outputs and the second setof one or more tactile outputs do not overlap (e.g., as shown in theexample in FIG. 5H), including in the combined tactile outputs the firstset of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one or moretactile outputs (e.g., the combined tactile output 510F, FIG. 5H,includes the first set of tactile outputs, such as tactile output 502,and the second set of tactile outputs, such as tactile output 504F),played in sequence. Further, in accordance with a determination that thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one ormore tactile outputs overlap (e.g., as shown in the example in FIG. 5I),including in the combined tactile outputs a modified tactile outputsequence that is modified so as to emphasize the second set of one ormore tactile outputs relative to the first set of one or more tactileoutputs (e.g., the modified tactile output sequence 510G, FIG. 5I,emphasizes second tactile output 504G relative to first tactile output502). Producing a modified tactile output sequence is further discussedherein with reference to method 700 and FIGS. 7A-7D.

In some embodiments, a respective combined tactile output of the firstcombined tactile output (see discussion above regarding mix operations608) and the second combined tactile output (see discussion aboveregarding mix operations 612) includes (636) a first portion and asecond portion (e.g., see first portion P1 and second portion P2 in FIG.5E, or portions P2 and P3 in FIG. 5G). Method 600 further includes, inaccordance with a determination that the second portion of the combinedtactile outputs (e.g., the amplitude of portion P2 of combined tactileoutputs 510C, FIG. 5E, or the amplitude of portion P3 of combinedtactile outputs 510E, FIG. 5G) meet output limiting criteria for the oneor more tactile output generators (e.g., by exceeding output limits forthe one or more tactile output generators): reducing (636) a scale ofthe combined tactile outputs during at least the first portion of thecombined tactile output immediately preceding the second portion of thecombined tactile outputs; and outputting (638), via the one or moretactile output generators, a tactile output sequence (e.g., combinedtactile outputs 510C-RS, FIG. 5E, or combined tactile outputs 510E-RS,FIG. 5G) based on the combined tactile outputs that includes the firstportion of the combined tactile output with reduced scale. Optionally,the tactile output sequence that is output (638), via the one or moretactile output generators, includes the second portion of the combinedtactile outputs with reduced scale, as discussed below with reference tooperation 640. Furthermore, it is noted that at any instant in timewhile the scale of the combined tactile outputs is being reduced, theinstantaneous amplitude of the combined tactile outputs may beincreasing or decreasing. Further discussion of the application ofoutput limiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generatorsto tactile outputs is provided above with reference to FIG. 5E, and alsoFIG. 5G. By reducing the scale of at least a portion of the combinedtactile outputs so as to comply with output limiting criteria for theone or more tactile output generators, method 600 enables multipleapplications, modules, or user interface elements to provide tactileoutputs that are combined when they overlap, while still complying withoutput limiting criteria that correspond to physical limitations orcapabilities of the one or more tactile output generators of the device.This, in turn, provides improved tactile feedback to the user of theelectronic device, which enhances the operability of the device.

In some embodiments, after reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutputs during the first portion (see discussion of operation 636,above), method 600 includes continuing to output (640), via the one ormore tactile output generators, the combined tactile outputs with thereduced scale during the second portion. As result, the amplitude of thescale-reduced second portion satisfies a predefined limit, correspondingto the aforementioned output limiting criteria for the one or moretactile output generators. FIG. 5E shows an example in which a reducedscale is applied during a second portion, P2, of combined tactile output510C, after reducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs during afirst portion, P1.

Optionally, after reducing the scale of the first portion of thecombined tactile outputs, method 600 includes applying (642) a low passfilter to the combined tactile outputs so as to remove or reducefrequency components, if any, of the combined tactile outputs that areabove a predefined cutoff frequency. By reducing the scale of at least aportion of the combined tactile outputs so as to comply with outputlimiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generators, andapplying a low pass filter to the combined tactile outputs, method 600enables multiple applications, modules, or user interface elements toprovide tactile outputs that are combined when they overlap, while stillcomplying with output limiting criteria that correspond to physicallimitations or capabilities of the one or more tactile output generatorsof the device. This, in turn, provides improved tactile feedback to theuser of the electronic device, which enhances the operability of thedevice.

FIG. 5F shows an example of applying a low pass filter to combinedtactile outputs 510D, so as to produce low pass filtered combinedtactile outputs 510D-LP. In some embodiments, the low pass filter has acutoff frequency that is set based on physical constraints on hardwareof the device. For example, for a device with a smaller tactile outputgenerator that is capable of achieving higher frequencies, the low passfilter optionally has a higher cutoff frequency, while for a device witha larger tactile output generator that is not capable of achievinghigher frequencies, the low pass filter optionally has a lower cutofffrequency. By setting the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter basedon the capabilities of the device, applications, operating systemmodules, or UI elements or other elements of such applications andmodules, can request the generation of tactile outputs without regard tothe physical constraints of the hardware of the device, and the low passfilter will ensure that the one or more tactile output generators of thedevice do not receive instructions to generate tactile outputs that itor they are not capable of generating, or are capable of generatingreliably and effectively.

Further, in some embodiments, after outputting (638), via the one ormore tactile output generators, the second portion of the combinedtactile outputs at reduced scale, method 600 includes graduallyincreasing (643) the scale of the combined tactile outputs during atleast a third portion of the combined tactile outputs. For example, asshown in FIG. 5G, after reducing the scale of combined tactile outputs510E during portion P3, the scale of portion P4 of combined tactileoutputs 510E is gradually increased. The resulting modified tactileoutput sequence is labeled 510E-RS in FIG. 5G.

In some embodiments, method 600 includes, in accordance with adetermination that the second portion of the combined tactile outputsdoes not meet output limiting criteria for the one or more tactileoutput generators (e.g., that the amplitude of the combined tactileoutputs does not exceed a predefined limit), outputting (644), via theone or more tactile output generators, the tactile output sequencewithout reducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs during atleast the first portion of the combined tactile outputs. FIGS. 5A, 5Cand 5D show examples in which the amplitude of the combined tactileoutputs is not reduced, because the combined tactile outputs do notexceed a predefined limit of the one or more tactile generators (or moregenerally, because the combined tactile outputs meet the limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators).

In some embodiments, after receiving (602, FIG. 6A) the plurality ofrequests to output the plurality of tactile outputs, method 600 includesreceiving 650 (FIG. 6E) a request to output an additional tactile output(e.g., third tactile output 506A, FIG. 5C) that at least partiallyoverlaps with a respective tactile output (e.g., first tactile output502, FIG. 5C) in the plurality of tactile outputs (e.g., tactile outputs502 and 504, FIG. 5C). For example, the oldest tactile output in theplurality of tactile outputs partially overlaps with the additionaltactile output. An example is shown in FIG. 5C, in which third tactileoutput 506A corresponds to the additional tactile output and therespective tactile output corresponds to first tactile output 502. Byallowing an electronic device to receive and process at least three ormore requests for tactile outputs, corresponding to tactile outputsscheduled to overlap at least in part, method 600 enables multipleapplications, modules, or user interface elements to provide tactileoutputs that are combined when they overlap. This, in turn, providesimproved tactile feedback to the user of the electronic device, whichenhances the operability of the device. In such embodiments, or in suchcircumstances, a determination is made as to whether a combination ofthe additional tactile output and the plurality of tactile outputsexceed the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to bemixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators (654).

After outputting (652) a first portion of the respective tactile output,and in response to receiving the request to output the additionaltactile output, in accordance with a determination that a combination ofthe additional tactile output and the plurality of tactile outputs doesnot exceed the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted tobe mixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactileoutput generators (654—No), method 600 includes mixing (656) theadditional tactile output with the plurality of tactile outputs (e.g.,tactile outputs 502 and 504), including a second portion of therespective tactile output (e.g., portion 522, FIG. 5C, of first tactileoutput 502), together into a third combined tactile output (e.g.,combined tactile output 510A, FIG. 5C), and including the third combinedtactile output in the combined tactile outputs (as shown in the examplein FIG. 5C), and outputting (658), via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the third combinedtactile output. Referring to FIG. 5C, in this scenario, tactile outputs502 and 504 are both mixed with the additional/third tactile output 506Ato generate combined tactile outputs 510A. By allowing an electronicdevice to mix three or more tactile outputs that are scheduled tooverlap at least in part, without excluding any of those tactile outputswhen the number of tactile outputs does not exceed the threshold numberof tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via the one or more tactile output generators, method 600 enablesmultiple applications, modules, or user interface elements to providetactile outputs that are combined when they overlap. This, in turn,provides improved tactile feedback to the user of the electronic device,which enhances the operability of the device.

On the other hand, after outputting (652) a first portion of therespective tactile output, and in response to receiving the request tooutput the additional tactile output, in accordance with a determinationthat the combination of the additional tactile output and the pluralityof tactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactile outputs thatis permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the one ormore tactile output generators (654—Yes), method 600 includes mixing(660) the additional tactile output with the plurality of tactileoutputs, excluding the second portion of the respective tactile output,together into a fourth combined tactile output, and including the fourthcombined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs; and outputting(662), via the one or more tactile output generators, the combinedtactile outputs, including the fourth combined tactile output. Referringto FIG. 5C, in this second scenario, tactile outputs 502 and 504 aremixed with the additional/third tactile output 506A to generate combinedtactile outputs 510A, but the second portion (portion 522) of tactileoutput 502 is excluded because the combination of the third tactileoutput 506A and the plurality of tactile outputs (502, 504) exceeds thethreshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators (654—Yes). By allowing an electronic device to mix three ormore tactile outputs that are scheduled to overlap at least in part, butto exclude one or more of those tactile outputs (e.g., the one or moretactile outputs produced in response to the oldest triggeringcondition(s)) when the number of tactile outputs exceeds the thresholdnumber of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together forconcurrent output via the one or more tactile output generators, method600 enables multiple applications, modules, or user interface elementsto provide tactile outputs that are combined when they overlap. This, inturn, provides improved tactile feedback to the user of the electronicdevice, which enhances the operability of the device.

In some embodiments, when performing mixing operation 660, discussedabove, the second portion of the respective tactile output is selected(670), from the plurality of tactile outputs, to be excluded from theplurality of tactile outputs based on an age of an input that triggeredthe respective tactile output. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, thesecond portion 522 of first tactile output 502 is selected based on itbeing the least recently triggered tactile output, as indicated by itstriggering condition, corresponding to indicator 501, being the oldestof the triggering conditions for the tactile outputs being combined.

In some embodiments, method 600 includes playing (672) an audio outputthat is synchronized with the respective tactile output and is triggeredby a same condition that triggered the respective tactile output (e.g.,playing audio output 512, which is synchronized with tactile output 502,and triggered by a same condition, indicated by indicator 501, as shownin FIG. 5C); and further includes continuing to play (674) the audiooutput that is synchronized with the respective tactile output withoutregard to whether or not the second portion of the tactile output isexcluded from the combined tactile outputs that are output via the oneor more tactile output generators. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, theaudio component 512 of the synchronized tactile/audio output 502/512continues to be played even if tactile component 502 of the synchronizedtactile/audio output 502/512 is removed from the combined tactile output510A. By providing synchronized tactile outputs and audio outputs, whilealso mixing the tactile outputs to produce combined tactile outputs tobe output using one or more tactile output generators, and mixing theaudio outputs to produce combine audio outputs, method 600 enablesmultiple applications, modules, or user interface elements to providesynchronized tactile and audio outputs that are combined when theyoverlap. This, in turn, provides improved tactile and audio feedback tothe user of the electronic device, which enhances the operability of thedevice.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIGS. 6A-6F have been described is merely an example andis not intended to indicate that the described order is the only orderin which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize various ways to reorder the operations describedherein. Additionally, it should be noted that details of other processesdescribed herein with respect to other methods described herein (e.g.,methods 700 and 800) are also applicable in an analogous manner tomethod 600 described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6F. For example, theapplication of limits to the number, magnitude and/or frequencycomponents of combined tactile outputs, produced by mixing or otherwisecombining a plurality of tactile outputs and output using one or moretactile output generators, in accordance with limiting criteria of theone or more tactile output generators, described above with reference tomethod 600 optionally has one or more of the characteristics of theprioritization of tactile outputs corresponding to inputs on hardwareelements over other tactile outputs described herein with reference tomethod 700, or the mixing of tactile outputs in accordance withpriorities of those tactile outputs described herein with reference tomethod 800. For brevity, these details are not repeated here.

FIGS. 7A-7D are flow diagrams illustrating a method 700 of combiningtactile outputs corresponding to triggering conditions or inputs frommultiple sources, and prioritizing tactile outputs corresponding toinputs on hardware elements over other tactile outputs. Correspondingexamples of tactile outputs, combined tactile outputs, and audio outputsare shown in FIGS. 5H, 5I and 5K. Method 700 is performed at anelectronic device (e.g., device 300, FIG. 3, or portable multifunctiondevice 100, FIG. 1A) with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and aset of one or more tactile output generators. In some embodiments, thedisplay is a touch-screen display and the touch-sensitive surface is onor integrated with the display. In some embodiments, the display isseparate from the touch-sensitive surface. Some operations in method 700are, optionally, combined and/or the order of some operations is,optionally, changed.

As described below, method 700 combines tactile outputs corresponding totriggering conditions or inputs from multiple sources, and prioritizestactile outputs corresponding to inputs on hardware elements over othertactile outputs. Method 700 enables multiple applications to providetactile outputs, without the applications having to take into accountlimits on the number of tactile outputs that can be combined, or limitson the amplitude or magnitude or frequency components of the combinedtactile outputs, while ensuring that higher priority tactile outputs areoutput, or emphasized relative to lower priority tactile outputs. Themethod reduces the number, extent, and/or nature of the inputs from auser when interacting with the device or applications running on thedevice, thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Fromthe perspective of the user of the device, method 700 enables the userto receive multiple tactile outputs, with prioritization to ensure thathigher priority tactile outputs are not excluded, or are emphasizedrelative to lower priority tactile outputs, and enables the user to makeinputs with more confidence, faster and more efficiently, therebyresulting in fewer incorrect inputs by the user, which enhances theoperability of the device. For battery-operated electronic devices, thisconserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

While performing method 700, the device receives (702) a first set ofone or more inputs (e.g., input 407, FIG. 4A) corresponding to userinterface elements (e.g., application icon 424, FIG. 4A) displayed onthe display (e.g., touch screen 112, FIG. 4A), wherein the first set ofone or more inputs corresponds to a first set of one or more tactileoutputs (e.g., tactile output 411, FIG. 4A, or tactile output 502, FIGS.5H and 5I). The device also receives a second set of one or more inputs(e.g., input 403, FIG. 4A) corresponding to the one or more hardwareelements (e.g., home button 204, FIG. 4A, which in some embodiments is asimulated physical button), wherein the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to a second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,tactile output 409, FIG. 4A, or tactile output 504F or 504G, FIGS. 5Hand 5I). In some embodiments, the second set of one or more inputscorresponds (706) to a click gesture, or a portion of a click gesture,performed using a respective hardware element (e.g., home button 204,FIG. 4A). As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1C, inputs performedusing a respective hardware element, represented by hardware inputdevice 145 in FIG. 1C, are delivered to haptic feedback module 133 via ahardware input processing module 145. The resulting tactile outputwaveform, for example produced using waveform module 123, is then mixedby mixer 123 with overlapping tactile outputs, if any, from othersources.

Having received first and second sets of inputs, the device determineswhether the first set of tactile outputs and the second set of tactileoutputs overlap (710). In response to the second set of one or moreinputs (708), in accordance with a determination (710—No) that the firstset of tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputsdo not overlap (e.g., tactile outputs 502 and 504F in FIG. 5H do notoverlap), the device outputs (712), with the set of one or more tactileoutput generators, a tactile output sequence (e.g., combined tactileoutputs 510F, FIG. 5H) that includes the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,playing both sets of tactile outputs at full volume, the tactile outputincludes the first set and second set of tactile inputs played insequence).

On the other hand, in response to the second set of one or more inputs(708), in accordance with a determination (710—Yes) that the first setof one or more tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502, FIG. 5I) andthe second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output504G, FIG. 5I) overlap, the device outputs (714), with the set of one ormore tactile output generators, a modified tactile output sequence(e.g., combined tactile outputs 510G, FIG. 5I) that is modified so as toemphasize the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., tactileoutput 504G) relative to the first set of one or more tactile outputs(tactile output 502). By mixing tactile outputs in this way, emphasizingtactile outputs corresponding to inputs from hardware elements relativeto other tactile outputs, improved tactile feedback is provided to theuser, for example by ensuring the user can detect the tactile outputsproduced in response to user inputs on the one or more hardware elementswhile still allowing other tactile outputs to be generated. The improvedtactile feedback enables the user make inputs with more confidence,faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewer incorrect inputsby the user, which enhances the operability of the device. Forbattery-operated electronic devices, this conserves power and increasesthe time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, method 700 includes modifying (716) the tactileoutput sequence so as to emphasize the second set of tactile outputsrelative to the first set of tactile outputs by performing one or moreof: increasing an amplitude of the second set of tactile outputs anddecreasing an amplitude of the first set of tactile outputs. Forexample, in the example shown in FIG. 5I, second tactile output 504G isemphasized relative to first tactile outputs 502 by decreasing theamplitude of first tactile outputs 502 during the overlapping portion,P3.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes (718)a first portion during which output of the first set of tactile outputsis gradually reduced from a first output level to a second output level.For example, in the example shown in Figure SI, during first portion P1of the modified tactile output sequence 510G, the output of the firsttactile output 502, or alternatively the contribution of first tactileoutput 502 to the modified tactile output sequence 510G, is graduallyreduced from a first output level (e.g., an initial level) to a secondoutput level (e.g., an output level lower than the initial level). Insome embodiments, the first portion has a fixed duration, such as 5 ms.In some embodiments, the output level is fully reduced from an initialoutput level to zero during the first portion, as shown in the examplein FIG. 5I. In some other embodiments, the output level is graduallyreduced from the initial output level but is not fully reduced to zerowithin the first portion. By mixing tactile outputs in this way, withgradual reduction of the scaling of the tactile outputs from an initiallevel to a lower level prior to outputting the portion of the tactileoutput sequence that emphasizes tactile outputs corresponding to inputsfrom hardware elements relative to other tactile outputs, improvedtactile feedback is provided to the user, enhancing the operability ofthe device. The gradual reduction of the first tactile output signalsthe user that a new tactile output or new feedback may be forthcoming,and/or avoids an abrupt transition from one tactile output to anotherthat might otherwise distract the user.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes (720)a second portion of reduced tactile output, for example, a period oftime during which there is tactile silence or a period of time duringwhich the device ceases to provide instructions to the tactile outputgenerators to generate tactile outputs. In the example shown in FIG. 5I,there is tactile silence during second portion P2 of the modifiedtactile output sequence. In some embodiments, the second portion has afixed duration, such as 5 ms. In some embodiments, the second portion(e.g., portion P2, FIG. 5I) of reduced tactile output (e.g., tactilesilence) is subsequent to and immediately follows the first portion(e.g., portion P1, FIG. 5I), during which the first set of tactileoutputs is gradually reduced. In some embodiments, not shown in FIG. 5I,the modified tactile output includes the second portion (e.g., a periodof tactile silence) without including the first portion (e.g., a periodof gradual reduction from a first output level to a second output levelof the first set of tactile outputs). By mixing tactile outputs in thisway, with gradual reduction of the first tactile output from an initiallevel to a lower level, followed by a period of tactile silence, priorto outputting the portion of the tactile output sequence that emphasizestactile outputs corresponding to inputs from hardware elements relativeto other tactile outputs, improved tactile feedback is provided to theuser, enhancing the operability of the device. The gradual reduction ofthe first tactile output followed by a period of tactile silence enablesthe user to receive or feel the subsequent portion of the tactilefeedback, including tactile output corresponding to a user input on ahardware element, without distraction from other tactile outputs. Byproviding distinct tactile feedback for user inputs on one or morehardware elements, while still providing other tactile outputs whenthose other tactile outputs do not overlap the tactile outputcorresponding to user inputs on the one or more hardware elements, moreaccurate feedback is provided to the user with respect to user inputs onthe one or more hardware elements, which in turn enables the user makeinputs on hardware elements with more confidence, faster and moreefficiently, thereby resulting in fewer incorrect inputs by the user.For battery-operated electronic devices, this conserves power andincreases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, the duration of the second portion of the modifiedtactile sequence is selected (722) based on a magnitude of the firstportion of the modified tactile sequence. An example of selecting theduration of the period of tactile silence based on the magnitude of aprior portion of the modified tactile sequence is shown in FIG. 5K anddiscussed above with reference to FIG. 5K.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes (724)a third portion (e.g., portion P3 of combined tactile outputs 510J(Low)or 510J(High), FIG. 5K) that is subsequent to the second portion(portion P2) and includes the second set of tactile outputs (e.g.,portion P2, FIG. 5K), and a duration of the third portion (e.g., 7-8 ms)is longer than a duration of the second portion of reduced tactileoutput (e.g., 5 ms). Stated another way, the period of tactile silenceimmediately preceding the third portion of the modified tactile outputsequence is typically shorter than the third portion of the modifiedtactile output sequence, where the third portion typically includes ahigh priority tactile output, such as the tactile output associated withan input on a hardware element. By mixing tactile outputs in this way,including providing a period of tactile silence prior to providing aportion of the modified tactile output sequence that includes a highpriority tactile output, such as the tactile output associated with aninput on a hardware element, with said portion of the modified tactileoutput sequence being longer in duration than the immediately precedingperiod of tactile silence, improved tactile feedback is provided to theuser, enhancing the operability of the device. This combination oftiming and tactile output mixing features enables the user to receive orfeel tactile output corresponding to a user input on a hardware elementwithout distraction from other tactile outputs. By providing distincttactile feedback for user inputs on one or more hardware elements, whilestill providing other tactile outputs when those other tactile outputsdo not overlap the tactile output corresponding to user inputs on theone or more hardware elements, more accurate feedback is provided to theuser with respect to user inputs on the one or more hardware elements,which in turn enables the user make inputs on hardware elements withmore confidence, faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewerincorrect inputs by the user. For battery-operated electronic devices,this conserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes (726)a third portion (e.g., portion P3 of combined tactile outputs 510J(Low)or 510J(High), FIG. 5K) that includes the second set of tactile outputs(e.g., tactile output 504G), and a fourth portion (e.g., portion P4 ofcombined tactile outputs 510J(Low) or 510J(High), FIG. 5K) during whichthe first set of tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502) is outputusing an output level that is gradually increased from a third outputlevel (e.g., the same as the second output level) to a fourth outputlevel (e.g., the same as the first output level), wherein the fourthportion (e.g., P4, FIG. 5K) is subsequent to the third portion (e.g.,P3, FIG. 5K). By mixing tactile outputs in this way, with gradualtransitions in tactile outputs before and after outputting the portionof the tactile output sequence that emphasizes tactile outputscorresponding to inputs from hardware elements relative to other tactileoutputs, improved tactile feedback is provided to the user, enhancingthe operability of the device. The gradual transitions enable the userto distinctly receive or feel the portion of the tactile output sequencecorresponding to a user input on a hardware element, without distractionfrom other tactile outputs. By providing distinct tactile feedback foruser inputs on one or more hardware elements, while still providingother tactile outputs when those other tactile outputs do not overlapthe tactile output corresponding to user inputs on the one or morehardware elements, more accurate feedback is provided to the user withrespect to user inputs on the one or more hardware elements, which inturn enables the user make inputs on hardware elements with moreconfidence, faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewerincorrect inputs by the user. For battery-operated electronic devices,this conserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

In some of these embodiments, the duration of the third portion (e.g.,7-8 ms) is longer than the duration of the fourth portion (e.g., 5 ms).In some embodiments, the third portion is subsequent to and immediatelyfollows the second portion of tactile silence, and in some suchembodiments, the duration of the third portion (e.g., 7-8 ms) is longerthan the duration of the second portion of tactile silence (e.g., 5 ms)and also longer than the duration of the fourth portion (e.g., 5 ms).

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes (728)a third portion (e.g., portion P3 of combined tactile outputs 510J(Low)or 510J(High), FIG. 5K) that includes the second set of tactile outputs(e.g., tactile output 504G, FIG. 5K), and a fifth portion of reducedtactile output, wherein the fifth portion is subsequent to the thirdportion (not shown in FIG. 5K). In some such embodiments, shown in thetop half of FIG. 5K, the third portion (e.g., P3) is followedimmediately by a fourth portion (e.g., P4) of tactile silence, which inturn is followed immediately by a fifth portion (e.g., P5) during whichthe first set of tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502) is outputusing an output level that is gradually increased from a third outputlevel (e.g., the same as the second output level) to a fourth outputlevel (e.g., the same as the first output level). By mixing tactileoutputs in this way, with distinct transitions and outputs in multiplesuccessive portions of a tactile output sequence, improved tactilefeedback is provided to the user, enhancing the operability of thedevice. The provision of these distinct portions, in sequence, enablethe user to distinctly receive or feel the portion of the tactile outputsequence corresponding to a user input on a hardware element, withoutdistraction from other tactile outputs. By providing distinct tactilefeedback for user inputs on one or more hardware elements, while stillproviding other tactile outputs when those other tactile outputs do notoverlap the tactile output corresponding to user inputs on the one ormore hardware elements, more accurate feedback is provided to the userwith respect to user inputs on the one or more hardware elements, whichin turn enables the user make inputs on hardware elements with moreconfidence, faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewerincorrect inputs by the user. For battery-operated electronic devices,this conserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, while emphasizing the second set of one or moretactile outputs over the first set of one or more tactile outputs, thedevice continues to process the first set of one or more inputs (730),including mixing together tactile outputs for the first set of one ormore inputs. For example, the device does this so that when the deviceceases to emphasize the second set of one or more tactile outputs overfirst set of one or more tactile outputs, the device outputs the firstset of one or more tactile outputs as though they had continued toprogress while they were deemphasized. As a result, the first set of oneor more tactile outputs can be resumed promptly, when the device ceasesto emphasize the second set of one or more tactile outputs over thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs, and the first set of one ormore tactile outputs are still synchronized with the inputs to whichthey correspond. For example, while a second tactile output is producedin response to an input (e.g., a click) on a hardware element (e.g.,home button 204, FIG. 4A), first user interface tactile outputs producedin response to other triggering conditions continue to be received,processed and mixed, but are reduced in amplitude or silenced during thegeneration of the second portion of the combined tactile output (e.g.,P2, FIG. 5K). By mixing tactile outputs in this way, with tactileoutputs continuing to be generated even during portions of a tactileoutput sequence in which those tactile outputs are silenced, a fasterand smoother transition to resuming the provision of those tactileoutputs is provided, and thus improved tactile feedback is provided tothe user, enhancing the operability of the device. By providing moreaccurate feedback to the user with respect to user inputs, the user isenabled to make inputs on hardware elements with more confidence, fasterand more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewer incorrect inputs by theuser. For battery-operated electronic devices, this conserves power andincreases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, outputting the modified tactile sequence (714)includes reducing (732) a scale of at least a portion of the first setof one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the second set of oneor more tactile outputs. Examples of this are discussed above withreference to FIGS. 5I, 5K and 5L. Further discussion of such scalereducing is provided below with reference to method 800 and FIGS. 8A-8D.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination (734) that afirst portion of the combined tactile outputs meets output limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators, method 700includes reducing (736) a scale of the combined tactile outputs duringat least a second portion of the combined tactile outputs immediatelypreceding the first portion of the combined tactile outputs, andoutputting (738), with the set of one or more tactile output generators,a tactile output sequence (e.g., combined tactile outputs 510C-RS, FIG.5E, or combined tactile outputs 510E-RS, FIG. 5G) based on the combinedtactile outputs that includes the second portion of the combined tactileoutputs with reduced scale.

In some embodiments, after reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutputs during the second portion (e.g., portion P1, FIG. 5E), method700 includes continuing to output, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs with the reduced scale duringthe first portion (e.g., portion P2, which follows portion P1, FIG. 5E).As result, the amplitude of the scale-reduced portions satisfies apredefined limit, corresponding to the aforementioned output limitingcriteria for the one or more tactile output generators. FIG. 5E shows anexample in which a reduced scale is applied during a second portion, P2,of combined tactile output 510C, after reducing the scale of thecombined tactile outputs during a first portion, P1.

Further discussion of the application of output limiting criteria forthe one or more tactile output generators to tactile outputs is providedabove with reference to FIG. 5E, and also FIG. 5G, as well as withreference to operations 636 and 638 of method 600.

In some embodiments, method 700 includes playing (740) an audio output(e.g., first audio output 512, FIGS. 5H and 5I) that is synchronizedwith the first set of one or more tactile outputs and is triggered by asame condition (e.g., a triggering condition corresponding to indicator501, FIGS. 5H and 5I) that triggered the first set of one or moretactile outputs (e.g., first tactile output 502, FIGS. 5H and 5I), and(e.g., in conjunction with receiving the second set of one or moreinputs) continuing to play (742) the audio output that is synchronizedwith the first set of one or more tactile outputs without modificationindependently of whether or not the second set of one or more tactileoutputs (e.g., tactile output 504F, FIG. 5H, or tactile output 504G,FIG. 5I) is emphasized relative to the first set of one or more tactileoutputs. For example, the audio component of a synchronizedtactile/audio output continues to be played at a same volume even iftactile component of the synchronized tactile/audio output isde-emphasized, as shown in FIG. 5I By providing synchronized tactileoutputs and audio outputs, while also mixing the tactile outputs toproduce combined tactile outputs to be output using one or more tactileoutput generators, and mixing the audio outputs to produce combine audiooutputs, method 700 enables multiple applications, modules, or userinterface elements to provide synchronized tactile and audio outputsthat are combined when they overlap. This, in turn, provides improvedtactile and audio feedback to the user of the electronic device, whichenhances the operability of the device.

In some embodiments, method 700 includes playing (744) a first audiooutput (e.g., audio output 512, FIG. 5I) that is synchronized with thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502, FIG.5I) and is triggered by a same condition (e.g., a triggering conditioncorresponding to indicator 501, FIG. 5I) that triggered the first set ofone or more tactile outputs; and while playing the first audio output,playing (746) a second audio output (e.g., audio output 514G, FIG. 5I)that is synchronized with the second set of one or more tactile outputs(e.g., tactile output 504G, FIG. 5I) and is triggered by a samecondition (e.g., a triggering condition corresponding to indicator 503G,FIG. 5I) that triggered the second set of one or more tactile outputs,wherein the first audio output is modified (not shown in FIG. 5I) toemphasize the second audio output while playing the second audio output.Thus, in at least some such embodiments, audio outputs are combined in asimilar way to the tactile outputs, and in particular, when combiningaudio outputs, audio outputs corresponding to inputs on hardwareelements are emphasized relative to audio outputs corresponding toinputs on user interface elements.

In some such embodiments, a magnitude of the first audio output isuser-selected and/or a magnitude of the second audio output isuser-selected (748). For example, the device may provide one or moreuser adjustable settings, and optionally one or more corresponding userinterfaces or user interface affordances, for selecting the magnitude ofthe first audio output, for selecting the magnitude of the second audiooutput, and/or for selecting the relative magnitude of second audiooutput relative to the first audio output.

In some embodiments, method 700 includes, in response to the second setof one or more inputs, playing (750) an audio output that is triggeredby a same condition that triggered the second set of one or more tactileoutputs, wherein the audio output starts after the second set of one ormore tactile outputs starts. Thus, in some such embodiments, method 700includes, in response to the second set of one or more inputs,initiating output of the modified tactile output sequence, andsubsequent to initiating to output of the modified tactile outputsequence, initiating playing of the audio output that is triggered by asame condition that triggered the second set of one or more tactileoutputs. For example, in some embodiments, the delay from clickdetection (e.g., on home button 204, FIG. 4A) to tactile output for thebutton click is less than 50 ms, while the delay to playing an audiooutput corresponding to the button click is more than 50 ms. Moregenerally, in some embodiments, a delay from receiving the second set ofone or more inputs corresponding to the one or more hardware elements tooutputting the modified tactile output sequence is less than a firstamount of time (e.g., 50 ms) while the delay from receiving the secondset of one or more inputs corresponding to the one or more hardwareelements to outputting a corresponding audio sequence is more than thefirst amount of time.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIGS. 7A-7D have been described is merely an example andis not intended to indicate that the described order is the only orderin which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize various ways to reorder the operations describedherein. Additionally, it should be noted that details of other processesdescribed herein with respect to other methods described herein (e.g.,methods 600 and 800) are also applicable in an analogous manner tomethod 700 described above with respect to FIGS. 7A-7D. For example, theprioritization of tactile outputs corresponding to inputs on hardwareelements over other tactile outputs described above with reference tomethod 700 optionally have one or more of the characteristics of theapplication of limits to the number, magnitude and/or frequencycomponents of combined tactile outputs and/or the mixing of tactileoutputs in accordance with priorities of those tactile outputs describedherein with reference to other methods described herein (e.g., methods600 and 800). For brevity, these details are not repeated here.

FIGS. 8A-8D are flow diagrams illustrating a method 800 of combiningtactile outputs corresponding to triggering conditions or inputs frommultiple sources in accordance with the priorities of the tactileoutputs. Corresponding examples of tactile outputs, combined tactileoutputs, and audio outputs are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5H, 5I, 5J and 5L.Method 800 is performed at an electronic device (e.g., device 300, FIG.3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1A) with a display, atouch-sensitive surface, and a set of one or more tactile outputgenerators. In some embodiments, the display is a touch-screen displayand the touch-sensitive surface is on or integrated with the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 800 are, optionally, combined and/orthe order of some operations is, optionally, changed.

As described below, method 800 combines tactile outputs corresponding totriggering conditions or inputs from multiple sources, and prioritizestactile outputs during mixing based on assigned priorities. Method 800enables multiple applications to provide tactile outputs, without theapplications having to take into account limits on the number of tactileoutputs that can be combined, or limits on the amplitude or magnitude orfrequency components of the combined tactile outputs, while ensuringthat higher priority tactile outputs are output, or emphasized relativeto lower priority tactile outputs. The method reduces the number,extent, and/or nature of the inputs from a user when interacting withthe device or applications running on the device, thereby creating amore efficient human-machine interface. From the perspective of the userof the device, method 800 enables the user to receive multiple tactileoutputs, with prioritization to ensure that higher priority tactileoutputs are not excluded, or are emphasized relative to lower prioritytactile outputs, and enables the user to make inputs with moreconfidence, faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewerincorrect inputs by the user. For battery-operated electronic devices,this conserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

While performing method 800, the device detects (802) a triggeringcondition for a first set of one or more tactile outputs with a firstpriority (e.g., receiving a first set of one or more inputscorresponding to the first set of one or more tactile outputs), anddetects (804) a triggering condition for a second set of one or moretactile outputs with a second priority (e.g., receiving a second set ofone or more inputs corresponding to the second set of one or moretactile outputs). In some embodiments, the first set of one or moretactile outputs with the first priority corresponds (820) toasynchronous events (e.g., a user interface event that is not inresponse to a user input, such as displaying a notification of anincoming message, a completion of a transaction, etc.). Similarly, insome embodiments, the second set of one or more tactile outputs with thesecond priority corresponds (822) to synchronous events (e.g., one ormore inputs corresponding to user interface elements displayed on thedisplay of the device performing method 800).

In some embodiments, detection operation 802 includes receiving (824) afirst set of one or more inputs corresponding to user interface elementsdisplayed on the display, wherein the first set of one or more inputscorresponds to the first set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,tactile output 502, FIGS. 5I and 5J) having the first priority.Similarly, in some embodiments, detection operation 804 includesreceiving (826) a second set of one or more inputs corresponding to oneor more hardware elements, wherein the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,tactile output 504G, FIGS. 5I and 5J) having the second priority. Insome embodiments, the second priority is higher than the first priority(828). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second set of one or moreinputs corresponds (830) to a click gesture, or a portion of a clickgesture, performed using a respective hardware element (e.g., homebutton 204, FIG. 4A, or other button, or key on a keyboard). Asdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 1C, inputs performed using arespective hardware element, represented by hardware input device 145 inFIG. 1C, are delivered to haptic feedback module 133 via a hardwareinput processing module 145. The resulting tactile output waveform, forexample produced using waveform module 123, is then mixed by mixer 123with overlapping tactile outputs, if any, from other sources.

Next, in response (808) to detecting (802, 804) the triggering conditionfor the first set of one or more tactile outputs and the triggeringcondition for the second set of one or more tactile outputs, and inaccordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs, method 800 includes, inaccordance with a determination (810, first priority>second priority)that the first priority is higher than the second priority (e.g., asshown in the example in FIG. 5J), the electronic device reduces (812) ascale of at least a portion of the second set of one or more tactileoutputs (e.g., second tactile output 504G) that overlaps with the firstset of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., first tactile output 502). Forexample, “reducing a scale” of at least a portion of the second set ofone or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one ormore tactile outputs, means reducing the scale of the portion of thesecond set one or more tactile outputs relative to a scale of the firstset of one or more tactile outputs.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, in conjunction with reducing (812) thescale of the second set of one or more tactile outputs with the secondpriority, method 800 includes outputting (840) the first set of one ormore tactile outputs with the first priority. For example, in theexample shown in FIG. 5J, in conjunction with reducing the scale ofsecond tactile output 504G, first tactile output 502 is output (e.g., inincluded in the combined tactile output 510H, which is output by thedevice's one or more tactile output generators).

On the other hand, in response (808) to detecting (802, 804) thetriggering condition for the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the triggering condition for the second set of one or more tactileoutputs, and in accordance with a determination that the first set ofone or more tactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlapwith the second set of one or more tactile outputs, method 800 includes,in accordance with a determination (810, second priority>first priority)that the second priority is higher than the first priority (e.g., asshown in the example in FIG. 5I), the electronic device reduces a scaleof at least a portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs(e.g., portion P3 of first tactile output 502, FIG. 5I) that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g., second tactileoutput 504G, FIG. 5I). For example, reducing a scale of at least aportion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs, means reducing thescale of the portion of the first set one or more tactile outputsrelative to a scale of second first set of one or more tactile outputs.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, in conjunction with reducing (814) thescale of the first set of one or more tactile outputs with the firstpriority, method 800 includes outputting (842) the second set of one ormore tactile outputs with the second priority. For example, in theexample shown in FIG. 5I, in conjunction with reducing the scale ofportion P3 of first tactile output 502, second tactile output 504G isoutput (e.g., in included in the combined tactile output 510G, which isoutput by the device's one or more tactile output generators).

In some embodiments, higher priority tactile outputs are ones thatcorrespond to user interactions where a delay above a threshold will benoticeable (e.g., 50 ms), such as feedback about user interaction withcontrol elements and, in particular, control elements directlymanipulated by user inputs (e.g., sliders, scrubbers, buttons, switches,scrolling regions, etc., some of which also provide visual feedback inresponse to user interaction with those control elements).

In some embodiments, in response (808) to detecting (802, 804) thetriggering condition for the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the triggering condition for the second set of one or more tactileoutputs, and in accordance with a determination that the first set ofone or more tactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlapwith the second set of one or more tactile outputs, method 800 includes,in accordance with a determination (810, first priority=second priority)that the first priority is the same as the second priority, combining(816) the first set of one or more tactile outputs with the second setof one or more tactile outputs without reducing a scale of the first setof one or more tactile outputs relative to the scale of the second setof one or more tactile outputs. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 5A, first and second tactile outputs 502 and 504 are combinedwithout reducing a scale of the first tactile output relative to thescale of the second tactile output. By mixing tactile outputs in thisway, reducing the scale of lower priority tactile outputs relative tohigher priority tactile outputs, improved tactile feedback is providedto the user, for example by ensuring the user can detect the higherpriority tactile outputs produced while still allowing other tactileoutputs to be generated. The improved tactile feedback enables the usermake inputs with more confidence, faster and more efficiently, therebyresulting in fewer incorrect inputs by the user, which enhances theoperability of the device. For battery-operated electronic devices, thisconserves power and increases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, method 800 includes, in response to detecting thetriggering condition for the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the triggering condition for the second set of one or more tactileoutputs and in accordance with a determination that the first set of oneor more tactile outputs are not scheduled to overlap with other tactileoutputs (e.g., as shown in the example in FIG. 5H, first tactile output502 and second tactile output 504F are not scheduled to overlap),outputting (832), with the one or more tactile output generators, thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one ormore tactile outputs without reducing a scale of the first set of one ormore tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs.As shown in the example in FIG. 5H, the first and second tactile outputs502 and 504F are output without reducing a scale of the first tactileoutput 502 and the second tactile output 504F. By mixing tactile outputsin this way, improved tactile feedback is provided to the user. Theimproved tactile feedback enables the user make inputs with moreconfidence, faster and more efficiently, thereby resulting in fewerincorrect inputs by the user, which enhances the operability of thedevice. For battery-operated electronic devices, this conserves powerand increases the time between battery charges.

In some embodiments, method 800 further includes generating (850)combined tactile outputs (e.g., combined tactile outputs 510G, FIG. 5Ior 510H, FIG. 5J) by combining at least the first set of one or moretactile outputs (e.g., tactile output 502), including any portionthereof with reduced scale, and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs (e.g., tactile output 504G), including any portion thereof withreduced scale; and outputting (852), with the set of one or more tactileoutput generators, a tactile output sequence based on the combinedtactile outputs (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5I and 5J). Furthermore, insome embodiments, the tactile output sequence includes (854) a firstportion (e.g., portion P1 of combined tactile outputs 510G, FIG. 5I)during which output of the first set of tactile outputs is graduallyreduced from a first output level to a second output level (e.g., asshown in FIG. 5I).

In some embodiments, method 800 includes detecting (860) a triggeringcondition for a third set of one or more tactile outputs with a thirdpriority that is higher than the second priority and the first priority(e.g., third tactile output 506K, as shown in the FIG. 5L). Optionally,the third set of one or more tactile outputs with the third prioritycorresponds (862) to one or more hardware elements (e.g., a simulatedphysical button such as home button 204, FIG. 4A).

In some embodiments, in response to detecting (860) the triggeringcondition for the third set of one or more tactile outputs and inaccordance with a determination that the third set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one ormore tactile outputs (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5L), method 800 includesreducing (866) a scale of at least a portion of the first set of one ormore tactile outputs that overlaps with the third set of one or moretactile outputs, and reducing (868) a scale of at least a portion of thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the thirdset of one or more tactile outputs. For example, as shown in FIG. 5L, inthe portion of the first tactile output 502 and second tactile output504 that overlaps with the third tactile output 506K, the scale of boththe first tactile output 502 and second tactile output 504 are reduced(e.g., the reduced scale versions of both are included in combinedtactile outputs 510K, which are output by the one or more tactile outputgenerators of the device). Stated another way, while outputting asequence of tactile outputs with a third priority that is higher thanthe first or second priority, the device reduces the amplitudes oftactile outputs of the first priority and the second priority. By mixingtactile outputs in this way, reducing the scale of lower prioritytactile outputs relative to higher priority tactile outputs, improvedtactile feedback is provided to the user, for example by ensuring theuser can detect the higher priority tactile outputs produced while stillallowing other tactile outputs to be generated. The improved tactilefeedback enables the user make inputs with more confidence, faster andmore efficiently, thereby resulting in fewer incorrect inputs by theuser, which enhances the operability of the device. For battery-operatedelectronic devices, this conserves power and increases the time betweenbattery charges.

In some embodiments, method 800 includes playing (870) an audio output(e.g., audio output 512 or 514F, FIG. 5H; or audio output 512 or 514G,FIG. 5I; or audio output 512 or 512G, FIG. 5J) that is synchronized witha first set of tactile outputs or the second set of tactile outputs, andcontinuing to play (872) the audio output without modificationindependently of whether or not the scale of at least the portion of thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the secondset of one or more tactile outputs or the scale of at least the portionof the second set of one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs is reduced. Examples of suchcontinued playing of the audio output are shown in FIGS. 5I and 5J.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in FIGS. 8A-8D have been described is merely an example andis not intended to indicate that the described order is the only orderin which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize various ways to reorder the operations describedherein. Additionally, it should be noted that details of other processesdescribed herein with respect to other methods described herein (e.g.,methods 600 and 700) are also applicable in an analogous manner tomethod 800 described above with respect to FIGS. 8A-8D. For example, themixing of tactile outputs in accordance with priorities of those tactileoutputs described herein described above with reference to method 800optionally have one or more of the characteristics of the application oflimits to the number, magnitude and/or frequency components of combinedtactile outputs described herein with reference to method 600 and/or theprioritization of tactile outputs corresponding to inputs on hardwareelements over other tactile outputs described herein with reference tomethod 700. For brevity, these details are not repeated here.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 9 shows a functional blockdiagram of electronic device 900 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. The functional blocksof the device are, optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software to carry out the principles of thevarious described embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill inthe art that the functional blocks described in FIG. 9 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 9, electronic device 900 includes display unit 902(e.g., including display 112) configured to display user interfaces,touch-sensitive surface unit 904 configured to receive touch inputs (ona surface, such as a display surface of display unit 902), one or moretactile output generator unit(s) 906 configured to generate one or moretactile outputs, and processing unit 910 coupled with display unit 902,touch-sensitive surface unit 904, and one or more tactile outputgenerator unit(s) 906. In some embodiments, electronic device 900 alsoincludes audio output unit 908 for generating audio outputs, alsocoupled to processing unit 910. In some embodiments, processing unit 910includes one or more of the following sub-units: request receiving unit912, tactile output combining unit 914, look-ahead tactile outputlimiting unit 920, tactile output unit 922, audio combining unit 924,and audio playing unit 926. In some embodiments, tactile outputcombining unit 914 includes scaling and ducking unit 916 and/or tactileoutput excluding unit 918.

In some embodiments, processing unit 910 is configured to receive aplurality of requests (e.g., using request receiving unit 912) togenerate a plurality of tactile outputs (e.g., using tactile output unit922) using one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, wherein theplurality of tactile outputs include two or more overlapping tactileoutputs. Processing unit 910 is configured to, in response to receivingthe plurality of requests, generate and output (e.g., using tactileoutput unit 922), via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906,combined tactile outputs. The generating and outputting includes, inaccordance with a determination (e.g., made using tactile outputcombining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920)that the plurality of tactile outputs does not exceed a threshold numberof tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, mixing theplurality of tactile outputs together (e.g., using tactile outputcombining unit 914) into a first combined tactile output, including thefirst combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs, andoutputting (e.g., using tactile output unit 922), via one or moretactile output generator unit(s) 906, the combined tactile outputs,including the first combined tactile output. The generating andoutputting also includes, in accordance with a determination (e.g., madeusing tactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile outputlimiting unit 920) that the plurality of tactile outputs exceeds thethreshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via one or more tactile output generatorunit(s) 906, mixing a subset of the plurality of tactile outputstogether (e.g., using tactile output combining unit 914 and/or tactileoutput excluding unit 918) into a second combined tactile output thatexcludes at least one of the plurality of tactile outputs, including thesecond combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs, andoutputting (e.g., using tactile output unit 922), via one or moretactile output generator unit(s) 906, the combined tactile outputs,including the second combined tactile output.

In some embodiments, processing unit 910 is further configured to, afterreceiving the plurality of requests to output the plurality of tactileoutputs, receive a request (e.g., using request receiving unit 912) tooutput an additional tactile output that at least partially overlapswith a respective tactile output in the plurality of tactile outputs.Processing unit 910 is configured to, after outputting (e.g., usingtactile output unit 922) a first portion of the respective tactileoutput and in response to receiving the request to output the additionaltactile output, in accordance with a determination (e.g., made usingtactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile outputlimiting unit 920) that a combination of the additional tactile outputand the plurality of tactile outputs does not exceed the thresholdnumber of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together forconcurrent output via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906,mix the additional tactile output with the plurality of tactile outputs(e.g., using tactile output combining unit 914), including a secondportion of the respective tactile output, together into a third combinedtactile output, and include the third combined tactile output in thecombined tactile outputs, and output (e.g., using tactile output unit922), via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, the combinedtactile outputs, including the third combined tactile output. Processingunit 910 is configured to, in accordance with a determination (e.g.,made using tactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactileoutput limiting unit 920) that the combination of the additional tactileoutput and the plurality of tactile outputs exceeds the threshold numberof tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, mix theadditional tactile output with the plurality of tactile outputs,excluding the second portion of the respective tactile output, together(e.g., using tactile output combining unit 914 and/or tactile outputexcluding unit 918) into a fourth combined tactile output, and includethe fourth combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs, andoutput (e.g., using tactile output unit 922), via one or more tactileoutput generator unit(s) 906, the combined tactile outputs, includingthe fourth combined tactile output.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the respective tactile outputis selected (e.g., using tactile output excluding unit 918), from theplurality of tactile outputs, to be excluded from the plurality oftactile outputs based on an age of an input that triggered therespective tactile output.

In some embodiments, processing unit 910 is further configured to playan audio output (e.g., using audio playing unit 926) that issynchronized with the respective tactile output (e.g., using audiocombining unit 924) and is triggered by a same condition that triggeredthe respective tactile output, and processing unit 910 is configured tocontinue to play (e.g., using audio playing unit 926) the audio outputthat is synchronized with the respective tactile output (e.g., usingaudio combining unit 924) without regard to whether or not the secondportion of the tactile output is excluded from the combined tactileoutputs that are output via one or more tactile output generator unit(s)906.

In some embodiments, one or more of the tactile outputs of the pluralityof tactile outputs are part of synchronized tactile and audio outputsthat include both an audio output and a corresponding tactile outputthat are synchronized (e.g., using audio combining unit 924 and/or audioplaying unit 926) to occur with a particular temporal alignment.

In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputs includes a tactileoutput generated (e.g., using tactile output unit 922) in response to auser input directed toward a control element in a displayed userinterface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputs includes a tactileoutput generated (e.g., using tactile output unit 922) in response to auser input directed toward a hardware control. In some embodiments, theplurality of tactile outputs includes a tactile output generated (e.g.,using tactile output unit 922) in response to the occurrence of apredefined condition.

In some embodiments, the combined tactile outputs a first portion and asecond portion. Processing unit 910 is configured to, in accordance witha determination (e.g., made using tactile output and/or tactile outputcombining 914 and/or look-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920) thatthe second portion of the combined tactile outputs meets output limitingcriteria for one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, reduce ascale of the combined tactile outputs (e.g., using tactile outputcombining unit 914 and/or scaling and ducking unit 916) during at leastthe first portion of the combined tactile outputs immediately precedingthe second portion of the combined tactile outputs, and output (e.g.,using tactile output unit 922), via one or more tactile output generatorunit(s) 906, a tactile output sequence based on the combined tactileoutputs that includes the first portion of the combined tactile outputswith reduced scale.

In some embodiments, processing unit 910 is configured to, in accordancewith a determination (e.g., made using tactile output combining unit 914and/or look-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920) that the secondportion of the combined tactile outputs does not meet output limitingcriteria for one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, output(e.g., using tactile output unit 922), via one or more tactile outputgenerator unit(s) 906, the tactile output sequence without reducing thescale of the combined tactile outputs during at least the first portionof the combined tactile outputs.

In some other embodiments, processing unit 910 is configured to, afterreducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs during the firstportion, continue to output (e.g., using tactile output unit 922), viaone or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906, the combined tactileoutputs with the reduced scale during the second portion. In someembodiments, processing unit 910 is configured to, after reducing thescale of the first portion of the combined tactile outputs, apply a lowpass filter to the combined tactile outputs (e.g., using scaling andducking unit 916) so as to remove or reduce frequency components, ifany, of the combined tactile outputs that are above a predefined cutofffrequency. In some embodiments, processing unit 910 is configured to,after outputting, via one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 906,the second portion of the combined tactile outputs that includes thesecond portion at reduced scale, gradually increase the scale (e.g.,using scaling and ducking unit 916) of the combined tactile outputsduring at least a third portion of the combined tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, reducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs(e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 916) is performed using a smoothlyvarying scale reduction parameter.

In some embodiments, receiving (e.g., using request receiving unit 912)the plurality of requests includes receiving a first set of one or moreinputs corresponding to user interface elements displayed on displayunit 902, wherein the first set of one or more inputs corresponds to afirst set of one or more tactile outputs; and receiving (e.g., usingrequest receiving unit 912) a second set of one or more inputscorresponding to one or more hardware elements, wherein the second setof one or more inputs corresponds to the second set of one or moretactile outputs. In some embodiments, the plurality of tactile outputsincludes the first set of one or more tactile outputs and the second setof one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, generating the combined tactile outputs includes,in accordance with a determination (e.g., made using tactile outputcombining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920)that the first set of tactile outputs and the second set of one or moretactile outputs do not overlap include (e.g., using tactile outputcombining unit 914) in the combined tactile outputs the first set of oneor more tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs; and, in accordance with a determination (e.g., made usingtactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile outputlimiting unit 920) that the first set of one or more tactile outputs andthe second set of one or more tactile outputs overlap, include (e.g.,using tactile output combining unit 914) in the combined tactile outputsa modified tactile output sequence that is modified (e.g., using tactileoutput combining unit 914) so as to emphasize the second set of one ormore tactile outputs relative to the first set of one or more tactileoutputs.

In some embodiments, receiving the plurality of requests includesdetecting a triggering condition for a first set of one or more tactileoutputs with a first priority and detecting a triggering condition for asecond set of one or more tactile outputs with a second priority. Insome embodiments, generating the combined tactile outputs includes, inresponse to detecting the triggering condition for the first set of oneor more tactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second setof one or more tactile outputs and in accordance with a determination(e.g., made using tactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-aheadtactile output limiting unit 920) that the first set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs, in accordance with adetermination (e.g., made using tactile output combining unit 914 and/orlook-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920) that the first priority ishigher than the second priority, reducing a scale (e.g., using scalingand ducking unit 916) of at least a portion of the second set of one ormore tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one or moretactile outputs; in accordance with a determination (e.g., made usingtactile output combining unit 914 and/or look-ahead tactile outputlimiting unit 920) that the second priority is higher than the firstpriority, reducing a scale (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 916) ofat least a portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs thatoverlaps with the second set of one or more tactile outputs; andgenerating the combined tactile outputs (e.g., using tactile output unit922) by combining at least the first set of one or more tactile outputs(e.g., using tactile output combining unit 914), including any portionthereof with reduced scale, and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs, including any portion thereof with reduced scale.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 10 shows a functional blockdiagram of electronic device 1000 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. The functional blocksof the device are, optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software to carry out the principles of thevarious described embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill inthe art that the functional blocks described in FIG. 10 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 10, electronic device 1000 includes display unit 1002(e.g., including display 112) configured to display user interfaces,touch-sensitive surface unit 1004 configured to receive touch inputs(e.g., on a display surface of display unit 1002), a set of one or moretactile output generator unit(s) 1006 configured to generate one or moretactile outputs, and processing unit 1010 coupled with display unit1002, touch-sensitive surface unit 1004, and one or more tactile outputgenerator unit(s) 1006. In some embodiments, electronic device 1000 alsoincludes audio output unit 1008 configured to generate audio outputs,also coupled with processing unit 1010. In some embodiments, processingunit 1010 includes one or more of the following sub-units: inputreceiving unit 1012, tactile output combining unit 1014, tactile outputunit 1022, audio combining unit 1024, and audio playing unit 1026. Insome embodiments, tactile output combining unit 1014 includes scalingand ducking unit 1016.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is configured to receive(e.g., using input receiving unit 1012) a first set of one or moreinputs corresponding to user interface elements displayed on displayunit 1002, wherein the first set of one or more inputs corresponds to afirst set of one or more tactile outputs. Processing unit 1010 isfurther configured to receive (e.g., using input receiving unit 1012) asecond set of one or more inputs corresponding to the one or morehardware elements, wherein the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to a second set of one or more tactile outputs. Processingunit 1010 is further configured to, in response to the second set of oneor more inputs, in accordance with a determination (e.g., made usingtactile output combining unit 1014) that the first set of tactileoutputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs do notoverlap, output (e.g., using tactile output unit 1022), with the set ofone or more tactile output generator unit(s) 1006, a tactile outputsequence that includes the first set of one or more tactile outputs andthe second set of one or more tactile outputs. Processing unit 1010 isfurther configured to, in accordance with a determination that the firstset of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one or moretactile outputs overlap, output (e.g., using tactile output unit 1022),with the set of one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 1006, amodified tactile output sequence that is modified (e.g., using tactileoutput combining unit 1014 and/or scaling and ducking unit 1016) so asto emphasize the second set of one or more tactile outputs relative tothe first set of one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, the second set of one or more inputs corresponds toa click gesture, or a portion of a click gesture, performed using arespective hardware element.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is configured to modify (e.g.,using scaling and ducking unit 1016) the tactile output sequence so asto emphasize the second set of tactile outputs relative to the first setof tactile outputs by performing one or more of: increasing an amplitudeof the second set of tactile outputs and decreasing an amplitude of thefirst set of tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes afirst portion during which output of the first set of tactile outputs isgradually reduced (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 1016) from afirst output level to a second output level.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes asecond portion of reduced tactile output.

In some embodiments, a duration of the second portion is selected basedon a magnitude of the first portion.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes athird portion that is subsequent to the second portion and includes thesecond set of tactile outputs, and a duration of the third portion islonger than a duration of the second portion of reduced tactile output.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes: athird portion that includes the second set of tactile outputs and afourth portion during which the first set of tactile outputs is outputusing an output level that is gradually increased from a third outputlevel to a fourth output level, wherein the fourth portion is subsequentto the third portion.

In some embodiments, the modified tactile output sequence includes: athird portion that includes the second set of tactile outputs and afifth portion of reduced tactile output, wherein the fifth portion issubsequent to the third portion.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is further configured to playan audio output (e.g., using audio playing unit 1026) that issynchronized with the first set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,using audio combining unit 1024) and is triggered by a same conditionthat triggered the first set of one or more tactile outputs. Processingunit 1010 is further configured to continue to play the audio output(e.g., using audio playing unit 1026) that is synchronized with thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs without modificationindependently of whether or not the second set of one or more tactileoutputs is emphasized relative to the first set of one or more tactileoutputs.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is further configured to playfirst audio output (e.g., using audio playing unit 1026) that issynchronized with the first set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,using audio combining unit 1024) and is triggered by a same conditionthat triggered the first set of one or more tactile outputs. Processingunit 1010 is configured to, while playing the first audio output, playsecond audio output (e.g., using audio playing unit 1026) that issynchronized) with the second set of one or more tactile outputs (e.g.,using audio combining unit 1024) and is triggered by a same conditionthat triggered the second set of one or more tactile outputs, whereinthe first audio output is modified to emphasize the second audio outputwhile playing the second audio output.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is configured to, whileemphasizing the second set of one or more tactile outputs over the firstset of one or more tactile outputs, continue to process the first set ofone or more inputs, including mixing together (e.g., using tactileoutput combining unit 1014) tactile outputs for the first set of one ormore inputs.

In some embodiments, a magnitude of the first audio output isuser-selected and/or a magnitude of the second audio output isuser-selected.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is configured to, in responseto the second set of one or more inputs, play audio output (e.g., usingaudio playing unit 1026) that is triggered by a same condition thattriggered the second set of one or more tactile outputs, wherein theaudio output starts after the second set of one or more tactile outputsstarts.

In some embodiments, outputting the modified tactile sequence includesreducing a scale (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 1016) of at leasta portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1010 is configured to, inaccordance with a determination (e.g., made using tactile outputcombining unit and/or look-ahead tactile output limiting unit 920) thata first portion of the combined tactile outputs meets output limitingcriteria for the set of one or more tactile output generator unit(s)1006, reduce a scale (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 1016) of thecombined tactile outputs during at least a second portion of thecombined tactile outputs immediately preceding the first portion of thecombined tactile outputs and output (e.g., using tactile output unit1022), with the set of one or more tactile output generator unit(s)1006, a tactile output sequence based on the combined tactile outputsthat includes the second portion of the combined tactile outputs withreduced scale.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 11 shows a functional blockdiagram of electronic device 1100 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. The functional blocksof the device are, optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software to carry out the principles of thevarious described embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill inthe art that the functional blocks described in FIG. 11 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 11, electronic device 1100 includes display unit 1102(e.g., including display 112) configured to display one or more userinterfaces, touch-sensitive surface unit 1104 configured to receivetouch inputs (e.g., on a surface, such as a display surface of displayunit 1102), a set of one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 1106configured to generate one or more tactile outputs, and processing unit1110 coupled with display unit 1102, touch-sensitive surface unit 1104,and one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 1106. In someembodiments, electronic device 1100 includes audio output unit 1108,also coupled with processing unit 1110. In some embodiments, processingunit 1110 includes one or more of the following sub-units: triggercondition detecting unit 1112, tactile output combining unit 1114,tactile output unit 1118, and audio playing unit 1120. In someembodiments, tactile output combining unit 1114 includes scaling andducking unit 1116.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is configured to detect atriggering condition (e.g., using trigger condition detecting unit 1112)for a first set of one or more tactile outputs with a first priority anddetect a triggering condition (e.g., using trigger condition detectingunit 1112) for a second set of one or more tactile outputs with a secondpriority. Processing unit 1110 is configured to, in response todetecting the triggering condition for the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second set of oneor more tactile outputs and in accordance with a determination that thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs are scheduled to at leastpartially overlap with the second set of one or more tactile outputs, inaccordance with a determination that the first priority is higher thanthe second priority, reduce a scale (e.g., using scaling and duckingunit 1116) of at least a portion of the second set of one or moretactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one or more tactileoutputs. Processing unit 1110 is configured to, in accordance with adetermination that the second priority is higher than the firstpriority, reduce a scale (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 1116) ofat least a portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs thatoverlaps with the second set of one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured toenable generation of combined tactile outputs (e.g., using tactileoutput unit 1118) by combining at least the first set of one or moretactile outputs (e.g., using tactile output combining unit 1114),including any portion thereof with reduced scale, and the second set ofone or more tactile outputs, including any portion thereof with reducedscale, and output (e.g., using tactile output unit 1118), with the setof one or more tactile output generator unit(s) 1106, a tactile outputsequence based on the combined tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, the tactile output sequence includes a firstportion during which output of the first set of tactile outputs isgradually reduced from a first output level to a second output level.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is configured to, inaccordance with a determination that the first priority is the same asthe second priority, combine (e.g., using tactile output combining unit1114 and/or scaling and ducking unit 1116) the first set of one or moretactile outputs with the second set of one or more tactile outputswithout reducing a scale of the first set of one or more tactile outputsrelative to the scale of the second set of one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is configured to, in responseto detecting the triggering condition for the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second set of oneor more tactile outputs and in accordance with a determination that thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs are not scheduled to overlapwith other tactile outputs, output (e.g., using tactile output unit1118) of the first set of one or more tactile outputs and the second setof one or more tactile outputs without reducing a scale of the first setof one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactileoutputs.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured todetect a triggering condition (e.g., using trigger condition detectingunit 1112) for a third set of one or more tactile outputs with a thirdpriority that is higher than the second priority and the first priority.Processing unit 1110 is configured to, in response to detecting thetriggering condition for the third set of one or more tactile outputsand in accordance with a determination that the third set of one or moretactile outputs are scheduled to at least partially overlap with thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of one ormore tactile outputs, reduce a scale (e.g., using scaling and duckingunit 1116) of at least a portion of the first set of one or more tactileoutputs that overlaps with the third set of one or more tactile outputsand reduce a scale (e.g., using scaling and ducking unit 1116) of atleast a portion of the second set of one or more tactile outputs thatoverlaps with the third set of one or more tactile outputs.

In some embodiments, the third set of one or more tactile outputs withthe third priority corresponds to one or more hardware elements. In someembodiments, the first set of one or more tactile outputs with the firstpriority corresponds to asynchronous events. In some embodiments, thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs with the second prioritycorresponds to synchronous events.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured to, inresponse to detecting the triggering condition for the first set of oneor more tactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second setof one or more tactile outputs and in accordance with the determinationthat the first set of one or more tactile outputs are scheduled to atleast partially overlap with the second set of one or more tactileoutputs and in accordance with the determination that the first priorityis higher than the second priority, in conjunction with reducing thescale of the second set of one or more tactile outputs with the secondpriority, output (e.g., using tactile output unit 1118) of the first setof one or more tactile outputs with the first priority.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured to, inresponse to detecting the triggering condition for the first set of oneor more tactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second setof one or more tactile outputs and in accordance with the determinationthat the first set of one or more tactile outputs are scheduled to atleast partially overlap and in accordance with the determination thatthe second priority is higher than the first priority, in conjunctionwith reducing the scale of the first set of tactile outputscorresponding to the first priority, output (e.g., using tactile outputunit 1118), with the set of one or more tactile output generator units1106, of the second set of one or more tactile outputs with the secondpriority.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured to playan audio output (e.g., using audio playing unit 1120) that issynchronized with a first set of tactile outputs or the second set oftactile outputs, and continue to play the audio output (e.g., usingaudio playing unit 1120) without modification independently of whetheror not the scale of at least the portion of the first set of one or moretactile outputs that overlaps with the second set of one or more tactileoutputs or the scale of at least the portion of the second set of one ormore tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one or moretactile outputs is reduced.

In some embodiments, processing unit 1110 is further configured toreceive a first set of one or more inputs (e.g., using trigger conditiondetecting unit 1112) corresponding to user interface elements displayedon display unit 1102, wherein the first set of one or more inputscorresponds to the first set of one or more tactile outputs having thefirst priority, and receive a second set of one or more inputs (e.g.,using trigger condition detecting unit 1112) corresponding to one ormore hardware elements, wherein the second set of one or more inputscorresponds to the second set of one or more tactile outputs having thesecond priority, wherein the second priority is higher than the firstpriority.

In some embodiments, the second set of one or more inputs corresponds toa click gesture, or a portion of a click gesture, performed using arespective hardware element.

The operations in the information processing methods described aboveare, optionally implemented by running one or more functional modules ininformation processing apparatus such as general purpose processors(e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 3) or applicationspecific chips.

The operations described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, 7A-7D and8A-8D are, optionally, implemented by components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1Bor FIG. 3. For example, receiving input operations 602, 702 anddetection operations 802, 804 are, optionally, implemented bycontact/motion module 130; outputting combined tactile outputs andtactile output sequence operations 610, 614, 712, 714 and 852 areoptionally implemented by haptic feedback module 133; while some otheroperations are, optionally, implemented by event sorter 170, eventsorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event handler 190. Event monitor171 in event sorter 170 detects a contact on touch-sensitive display112, and event dispatcher module 174 delivers the event information toapplication 136-1. A respective event recognizer 180 of application136-1 compares the event information to respective event definitions186, and determines whether a first contact at a first location on thetouch-sensitive surface (or whether rotation of the device) correspondsto a predefined event or sub-event, such as selection of an object on auser interface, or rotation of the device from one orientation toanother. When a respective predefined event or sub-event is detected,event recognizer 180 activates an event handler 190 associated with thedetection of the event or sub-event. Event handler 190 optionally usesor calls data updater 176 or object updater 177 to update theapplication internal state 192. In some embodiments, event handler 190accesses a respective GUI updater 178 to update what is displayed by theapplication. Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinaryskill in the art how other processes can be implemented based on thecomponents depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best use the invention and variousdescribed embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: at an electronicdevice with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, and one or moretactile output generators: receiving a plurality of requests to generatea plurality of tactile outputs using one or more tactile outputgenerators, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs include two or moreoverlapping tactile outputs; and in response to receiving the pluralityof requests, generating and outputting, via the one or more tactileoutput generators, combined tactile outputs, the generating andoutputting including: in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs does not exceed a threshold number oftactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via the one or more tactile output generators: mixing theplurality of tactile outputs together into a first combined tactileoutput, and including the first combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the first combinedtactile output; and in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactileoutputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output viathe one or more tactile output generators: mixing a subset of theplurality of tactile outputs together into a second combined tactileoutput that excludes at least one of the plurality of tactile outputs,and including the second combined tactile output in the combined tactileoutputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile output generators,the combined tactile outputs, including the second combined tactileoutput.
 2. The method of claim 1, including: after receiving theplurality of requests to output the plurality of tactile outputs,receiving a request to output an additional tactile output that at leastpartially overlaps with a respective tactile output of the plurality oftactile outputs; and after outputting a first portion of the respectivetactile output and in response to receiving the request to output theadditional tactile output: in accordance with a determination that acombination of the additional tactile output and the plurality oftactile outputs does not exceed the threshold number of tactile outputsthat is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the oneor more tactile output generators: mixing the additional tactile outputwith the plurality of tactile outputs, including a second portion of therespective tactile output, together into a third combined tactileoutput, and including the third combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the third combinedtactile output; and in accordance with a determination that thecombination of the additional tactile output and the plurality oftactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactile outputs that ispermitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the one or moretactile output generators: mixing the additional tactile output with theplurality of tactile outputs, excluding the second portion of therespective tactile output, together into a fourth combined tactileoutput, and including the fourth combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the fourth combinedtactile output.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second portion ofthe respective tactile output is selected, from the plurality of tactileoutputs, to be excluded from the plurality of tactile outputs based onan age of an input that triggered the respective tactile output.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, including: playing an audio output that issynchronized with the respective tactile output and is triggered by asame condition that triggered the respective tactile output; andcontinuing to play the audio output that is synchronized with therespective tactile output without regard to whether the second portionof the respective tactile output is excluded from the combined tactileoutputs that are output via the one or more tactile output generators.5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one tactile output of theplurality of tactile outputs is part of a synchronized tactile and audiooutput that includes both an audio output and a corresponding tactileoutput that are synchronized to occur with a particular temporalalignment.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactileoutputs includes a tactile output generated in response to a user inputdirected toward a control element in a displayed user interface.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includes atactile output generated in response to a user input directed toward ahardware control.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality oftactile outputs includes a tactile output generated in response to theoccurrence of a predefined condition.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein:the combined tactile outputs include a first portion and a secondportion; and the method further includes: in accordance with adetermination that the second portion of the combined tactile outputsmeets output limiting criteria for the one or more tactile outputgenerators: reducing a scale of the combined tactile outputs during atleast the first portion of the combined tactile outputs immediatelypreceding the second portion of the combined tactile outputs; andoutputting, via the one or more tactile output generators, a tactileoutput sequence based on the combined tactile outputs that includes thefirst portion of the combined tactile outputs with reduced scale. 10.The method of claim 9, including, in accordance with a determinationthat the second portion of the combined tactile outputs does not meetoutput limiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generators,outputting, via the one or more tactile output generators, a tactileoutput sequence based on the combined tactile outputs without reducingthe scale of the combined tactile outputs during at least the firstportion of the combined tactile outputs.
 11. The method of claim 9,further comprising, after reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutputs during the first portion of the combined tactile outputs,continuing to output, via the one or more tactile output generators, thecombined tactile outputs with the reduced scale during the secondportion of the combined tactile outputs.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising, after outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the second portion of the combined tactile outputs atreduced scale, gradually increasing the scale of the combined tactileoutputs during at least a third portion of the combined tactile outputs.13. The method of claim 9, further comprising, after reducing the scaleof the combined tactile outputs during the first portion of the combinedtactile outputs, applying a low pass filter to the combined tactileoutputs so as to remove or reduce frequency components, if any, of thecombined tactile outputs that are above a predefined cutoff frequency.14. The method of claim 9, wherein reducing the scale of the combinedtactile outputs is performed using a smoothly varying scale reductionparameter.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the plurality ofrequests includes: receiving a first set of one or more inputscorresponding to user interface elements displayed on the display,wherein the first set of one or more inputs corresponds to a first setof one or more tactile outputs; and receiving a second set of one ormore inputs corresponding to one or more hardware elements, wherein thesecond set of one or more inputs corresponds to a second set of one ormore tactile outputs, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includesthe first set of one or more tactile outputs and the second set of oneor more tactile outputs.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein generatingthe combined tactile outputs includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first set of one or more tactile outputs and thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs do not overlap, including inthe combined tactile outputs the first set of one or more tactileoutputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs; and inaccordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputsoverlap, including in the combined tactile outputs a modified tactileoutput sequence that is modified so as to emphasize the second set ofone or more tactile outputs relative to the first set of one or moretactile outputs.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein: receiving theplurality of requests includes: detecting a triggering condition for afirst set of one or more tactile outputs with a first priority; anddetecting a triggering condition for a second set of one or more tactileoutputs with a second priority; and generating the combined tactileoutputs includes, in response to detecting the triggering condition forthe first set of one or more tactile outputs and the triggeringcondition for the second set of one or more tactile outputs and inaccordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs is scheduled to at least partially overlap with thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs: in accordance with adetermination that the first priority is higher than the secondpriority, reducing a scale of at least a portion of the second set ofone or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one ormore tactile outputs; in accordance with a determination that the secondpriority is higher than the first priority, reducing a scale of at leasta portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs; and generating thecombined tactile outputs by combining at least the first set of one ormore tactile outputs, including any portion thereof with reduced scale,and the second set of one or more tactile outputs, including any portionthereof with reduced scale.
 18. An electronic device, comprising: adisplay; a touch-sensitive surface; one or more tactile outputgenerators; one or more processors; memory; and one or more programs,wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configuredto be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programsincluding instructions for: receiving a plurality of requests togenerate a plurality of tactile outputs using the one or more tactileoutput generators, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs include twoor more overlapping tactile outputs; and in response to receiving theplurality of requests, generating and outputting, via the one or moretactile output generators, combined tactile outputs, the generating andoutputting including: in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs does not exceed a threshold number oftactile outputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrentoutput via the one or more tactile output generators: mixing theplurality of tactile outputs together into a first combined tactileoutput, and including the first combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the first combinedtactile output; and in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactileoutputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output viathe one or more tactile output generators: mixing a subset of theplurality of tactile outputs together into a second combined tactileoutput that excludes at least one of the plurality of tactile outputs,and including the second combined tactile output in the combined tactileoutputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile output generators,the combined tactile outputs, including the second combined tactileoutput.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the one or moreprograms include instructions for: after receiving the plurality ofrequests to output the plurality of tactile outputs, receiving a requestto output an additional tactile output that at least partially overlapswith a respective tactile output of the plurality of tactile outputs;and after outputting a first portion of the respective tactile outputand in response to receiving the request to output the additionaltactile output: in accordance with a determination that a combination ofthe additional tactile output and the plurality of tactile outputs doesnot exceed the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted tobe mixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactileoutput generators: mixing the additional tactile output with theplurality of tactile outputs, including a second portion of therespective tactile output, together into a third combined tactileoutput, and including the third combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the third combinedtactile output; and in accordance with a determination that thecombination of the additional tactile output and the plurality oftactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactile outputs that ispermitted to be mixed together for concurrent output via the one or moretactile output generators: mixing the additional tactile output with theplurality of tactile outputs, excluding the second portion of therespective tactile output, together into a fourth combined tactileoutput, and including the fourth combined tactile output in the combinedtactile outputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs, including the fourth combinedtactile output.
 20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein thesecond portion of the respective tactile output is selected, from theplurality of tactile outputs, to be excluded from the plurality oftactile outputs based on an age of an input that triggered therespective tactile output.
 21. The electronic device of claim 20,wherein the one or more programs include instructions for: playing anaudio output that is synchronized with the respective tactile output andis triggered by a same condition that triggered the respective tactileoutput; and continuing to play the audio output that is synchronizedwith the respective tactile output without regard to whether the secondportion of the respective tactile output is excluded from the combinedtactile outputs that are output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators.
 22. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein at least onetactile output of the plurality of tactile outputs is part of asynchronized tactile and audio output that includes both an audio outputand a corresponding tactile output that are synchronized to occur with aparticular temporal alignment.
 23. The electronic device of claim 18,wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includes a tactile outputgenerated in response to a user input directed toward a control elementin a displayed user interface.
 24. The electronic device of claim 18,wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includes a tactile outputgenerated in response to a user input directed toward a hardwarecontrol.
 25. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the plurality oftactile outputs includes a tactile output generated in response to theoccurrence of a predefined condition.
 26. The electronic device of claim18, wherein: the combined tactile outputs include a first portion and asecond portion; and the one or more programs include instructions for:in accordance with a determination that the second portion of thecombined tactile outputs meets output limiting criteria for the one ormore tactile output generators: reducing a scale of the combined tactileoutputs during at least the first portion of the combined tactileoutputs immediately preceding the second portion of the combined tactileoutputs; and outputting, via the one or more tactile output generators,a tactile output sequence based on the combined tactile outputs thatincludes the first portion of the combined tactile outputs with reducedscale.
 27. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the one or moreprograms include instructions for, in accordance with a determinationthat the second portion of the combined tactile outputs does not meetoutput limiting criteria for the one or more tactile output generators,outputting, via the one or more tactile output generators, a tactileoutput sequence based on the combined tactile outputs without reducingthe scale of the combined tactile outputs during at least the firstportion of the combined tactile outputs.
 28. The electronic device ofclaim 26, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for,after reducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs during thefirst portion of the combined tactile outputs, continuing to output, viathe one or more tactile output generators, the combined tactile outputswith the reduced scale during the second portion of the combined tactileoutputs.
 29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the one or moreprograms include instructions for, after outputting, via the one or moretactile output generators, the second portion of the combined tactileoutputs at reduced scale, gradually increasing the scale of the combinedtactile outputs during at least a third portion of the combined tactileoutputs.
 30. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the one or moreprograms include instructions for, after reducing the scale of thecombined tactile outputs during the first portion of the combinedtactile outputs, applying a low pass filter to the combined tactileoutputs so as to remove or reduce frequency components, if any, of thecombined tactile outputs that are above a predefined cutoff frequency.31. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein reducing the scale of thecombined tactile outputs is performed using a smoothly varying scalereduction parameter.
 32. The electronic device of claim 18, whereinreceiving the plurality of requests includes: receiving a first set ofone or more inputs corresponding to user interface elements displayed onthe display, wherein the first set of one or more inputs corresponds toa first set of one or more tactile outputs; and receiving a second setof one or more inputs corresponding to one or more hardware elements,wherein the second set of one or more inputs corresponds to a second setof one or more tactile outputs, wherein the plurality of tactile outputsincludes the first set of one or more tactile outputs and the second setof one or more tactile outputs.
 33. The electronic device of claim 32,wherein generating the combined tactile outputs includes: in accordancewith a determination that the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the second set of one or more tactile outputs do not overlap,including in the combined tactile outputs the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs; andin accordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputsoverlap, including in the combined tactile outputs a modified tactileoutput sequence that is modified so as to emphasize the second set ofone or more tactile outputs relative to the first set of one or moretactile outputs.
 34. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein:receiving the plurality of requests includes: detecting a triggeringcondition for a first set of one or more tactile outputs with a firstpriority; and detecting a triggering condition for a second set of oneor more tactile outputs with a second priority; and generating thecombined tactile outputs includes, in response to detecting thetriggering condition for the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the triggering condition for the second set of one or more tactileoutputs and in accordance with a determination that the first set of oneor more tactile outputs is scheduled to at least partially overlap withthe second set of one or more tactile outputs: in accordance with adetermination that the first priority is higher than the secondpriority, reducing a scale of at least a portion of the second set ofone or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the first set of one ormore tactile outputs; in accordance with a determination that the secondpriority is higher than the first priority, reducing a scale of at leasta portion of the first set of one or more tactile outputs that overlapswith the second set of one or more tactile outputs; and generating thecombined tactile outputs by combining at least the first set of one ormore tactile outputs, including any portion thereof with reduced scale,and the second set of one or more tactile outputs, including any portionthereof with reduced scale.
 35. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programscomprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic devicewith a display, a touch-sensitive surface and one or more tactile outputgenerators, cause the device to: receive a plurality of requests togenerate a plurality of tactile outputs using the one or more tactileoutput generators, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs include twoor more overlapping tactile outputs; and in response to receiving theplurality of requests, generate and output, via the one or more tactileoutput generators, combined tactile outputs, including: in accordancewith a determination that the plurality of tactile outputs does notexceed a threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to bemixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators: mix the plurality of tactile outputs together into a firstcombined tactile output, and including the first combined tactile outputin the combined tactile outputs; and output, via the one or more tactileoutput generators, the combined tactile outputs, including the firstcombined tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that theplurality of tactile outputs exceeds the threshold number of tactileoutputs that is permitted to be mixed together for concurrent output viathe one or more tactile output generators: mix a subset of the pluralityof tactile outputs together into a second combined tactile output thatexcludes at least one of the plurality of tactile outputs, and includingthe second combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs; andoutput, via the one or more tactile output generators, the combinedtactile outputs, including the second combined tactile output.
 36. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 35, wherein theone or more programs include instructions, which when executed by theelectronic device, cause the device to: after receiving the plurality ofrequests to output the plurality of tactile outputs, receive a requestto output an additional tactile output that at least partially overlapswith a respective tactile output of the plurality of tactile outputs;and after outputting a first portion of the respective tactile outputand in response to receiving the request to output the additionaltactile output: in accordance with a determination that a combination ofthe additional tactile output and the plurality of tactile outputs doesnot exceed the threshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted tobe mixed together for concurrent output via the one or more tactileoutput generators: mix the additional tactile output with the pluralityof tactile outputs, including a second portion of the respective tactileoutput, together into a third combined tactile output, and include thethird combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs; andoutput, via the one or more tactile output generators, the combinedtactile outputs, including the third combined tactile output; and inaccordance with a determination that the combination of the additionaltactile output and the plurality of tactile outputs exceeds thethreshold number of tactile outputs that is permitted to be mixedtogether for concurrent output via the one or more tactile outputgenerators: mix the additional tactile output with the plurality oftactile outputs, excluding the second portion of the respective tactileoutput, together into a fourth combined tactile output, and include thefourth combined tactile output in the combined tactile outputs; andoutput, via the one or more tactile output generators, the combinedtactile outputs, including the fourth combined tactile output.
 37. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein thesecond portion of the respective tactile output is selected, from theplurality of tactile outputs, to be excluded from the plurality oftactile outputs based on an age of an input that triggered therespective tactile output.
 38. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 37, wherein the one or more programs includeinstructions, which when executed by the electronic device, cause thedevice to: play an audio output that is synchronized with the respectivetactile output and is triggered by a same condition that triggered therespective tactile output; and continue to play the audio output that issynchronized with the respective tactile output without regard towhether the second portion of the respective tactile output is excludedfrom the combined tactile outputs that are output via the one or moretactile output generators.
 39. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 35, wherein at least one tactile output of theplurality of tactile outputs is part of a synchronized tactile and audiooutput that includes both an audio output and a corresponding tactileoutput that are synchronized to occur with a particular temporalalignment.
 40. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 35, wherein the plurality of tactile outputs includes a tactileoutput generated in response to a user input directed toward a controlelement in a displayed user interface.
 41. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 35, wherein the plurality of tactileoutputs includes a tactile output generated in response to a user inputdirected toward a hardware control.
 42. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 35, wherein the plurality of tactileoutputs includes a tactile output generated in response to theoccurrence of a predefined condition.
 43. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 35, wherein: the combined tactileoutputs include a first portion and a second portion; and the one ormore programs include instructions, which when executed by theelectronic device, cause the device to: in accordance with adetermination that the second portion of the combined tactile outputsmeets output limiting criteria for the one or more tactile outputgenerators: reduce a scale of the combined tactile outputs during atleast the first portion of the combined tactile outputs immediatelypreceding the second portion of the combined tactile outputs; andoutput, via the one or more tactile output generators, a tactile outputsequence based on the combined tactile outputs that includes the firstportion of the combined tactile outputs with reduced scale.
 44. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 43, wherein theone or more programs include instructions, which when executed by theelectronic device, cause the device to, in accordance with adetermination that the second portion of the combined tactile outputsdoes not meet output limiting criteria for the one or more tactileoutput generators, output, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, a tactile output sequence based on the combined tactileoutputs without reducing the scale of the combined tactile outputsduring at least the first portion of the combined tactile outputs. 45.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 43, whereinthe one or more programs include instructions, which when executed bythe electronic device, cause the device to, after reducing the scale ofthe combined tactile outputs during the first portion of the combinedtactile outputs, continue to output, via the one or more tactile outputgenerators, the combined tactile outputs with the reduced scale duringthe second portion of the combined tactile outputs.
 46. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 45, wherein theone or more programs include instructions, which when executed by theelectronic device, cause the device to, after outputting, via the one ormore tactile output generators, the second portion of the combinedtactile outputs at reduced scale, gradually increase the scale of thecombined tactile outputs during at least a third portion of the combinedtactile outputs.
 47. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediumof claim 43, wherein the one or more programs include instructions,which when executed by the electronic device, cause the device to, afterreducing the scale of the combined tactile outputs during the firstportion of the combined tactile outputs, apply a low pass filter to thecombined tactile outputs so as to remove or reduce frequency components,if any, of the combined tactile outputs that are above a predefinedcutoff frequency.
 48. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 43, wherein reducing the scale of the combined tactileoutputs is performed using a smoothly varying scale reduction parameter.49. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 35,wherein receiving the plurality of requests includes: receiving a firstset of one or more inputs corresponding to user interface elementsdisplayed on the display, wherein the first set of one or more inputscorresponds to a first set of one or more tactile outputs; and receivinga second set of one or more inputs corresponding to one or more hardwareelements, wherein the second set of one or more inputs corresponds to asecond set of one or more tactile outputs, wherein the plurality oftactile outputs includes the first set of one or more tactile outputsand the second set of one or more tactile outputs.
 50. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 49, whereingenerating the combined tactile outputs includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first set of one or more tactile outputs and thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs do not overlap, including inthe combined tactile outputs the first set of one or more tactileoutputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputs; and inaccordance with a determination that the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the second set of one or more tactile outputsoverlap, including in the combined tactile outputs a modified tactileoutput sequence that is modified so as to emphasize the second set ofone or more tactile outputs relative to the first set of one or moretactile outputs.
 51. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediumof claim 35, wherein: receiving the plurality of requests includes:detecting a triggering condition for a first set of one or more tactileoutputs with a first priority; and detecting a triggering condition fora second set of one or more tactile outputs with a second priority; andgenerating the combined tactile outputs includes, in response todetecting the triggering condition for the first set of one or moretactile outputs and the triggering condition for the second set of oneor more tactile outputs and in accordance with a determination that thefirst set of one or more tactile outputs is scheduled to at leastpartially overlap with the second set of one or more tactile outputs: inaccordance with a determination that the first priority is higher thanthe second priority, reducing a scale of at least a portion of thesecond set of one or more tactile outputs that overlaps with the firstset of one or more tactile outputs; in accordance with a determinationthat the second priority is higher than the first priority, reducing ascale of at least a portion of the first set of one or more tactileoutputs that overlaps with the second set of one or more tactileoutputs; and generating the combined tactile outputs by combining atleast the first set of one or more tactile outputs, including anyportion thereof with reduced scale, and the second set of one or moretactile outputs, including any portion thereof with reduced scale.